The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has given in-principle approval to extend a loan of ₹4,100 crore (USD 500 million) to the Telangana Government for parts of phase-I of the Musi River Development Project, announced Minister D Sridhar Babu on Friday.
Speaking during the question hour in the state Assembly, the Industries Minister shared that the government has also submitted a preliminary project report to the Ministry of Jal Shakti seeking ₹3,188 crore under the National River Conservation Plan for the Musi river project.
The Musi River, which originates in the Ananthagiri Hills, flows eastward into Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs. These reservoirs have served as Hyderabad’s main water sources for over a century.
Sridhar Babu explained that the entire project has been divided into five zones. The detailed project report for Zone-I is currently in progress. Of the total 55 kilometers in Zone-I, 21 kilometers in the first phase is being undertaken by Musi Riverfront Development Corporation (MRDCL).
A consortium comprising Meinhardt, a Singapore-based independent engineering firm as the lead member, along with Cushman & Wakefield India and RIOS Design Studio, has been appointed to prepare a comprehensive detailed project report for the development project.
The Musi River Development Project is one of the flagship initiatives of the Telangana Government aimed at rejuvenating the river and its surroundings. The project is expected to transform the riverfront areas and improve the overall ecology of the region.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had earlier announced that the state government plans to develop Bapu Ghat, a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, as part of the Musi River redevelopment project.
The financial support from the Asian Development Bank marks a significant step forward in implementing this ambitious project. The combination of international funding and central government assistance is expected to facilitate the timely execution of the river development initiative.
The project aims to address environmental concerns, improve water quality, and create recreational spaces along the riverfront for the benefit of residents of Hyderabad and surrounding areas.
