The Telangana Government has issued comprehensive guidelines for the ambitious Musi Riverfront Development Project, emphasizing that the initiative extends beyond river cleaning to encompass broader social responsibility. The Cabinet sub-committee on Musi rejuvenation convened on May 8, 2026, directing officials to commence construction work on the initial phase spanning five kilometers within the 21-kilometer stretch from Himayatsagar to Bapughat and Osmansagar to Bapughat. The government has set a firm deadline of December 2027 for project completion, with construction work aimed to begin by August 2026.
The project is strategically planned in five phases covering 55 kilometers, with technical and financial discussions for Phase-I successfully completed with the Asian Development Bank for funding. The initial phase involves an estimated investment of ₹7,055 crore. According to the guidelines, works will include removal of solid waste, river cleaning, riverbed profiling based on hydrology, construction of retaining walls for flood control, roads on both sides of the river, major sewerage drains along both banks, stormwater drains, barrages for water storage, and riverfront development.
The government has made it clear that the development should not displace people but involve them as stakeholders. The Cabinet panel resolved during its meeting on Friday to implement the project in a transparent manner, with officials directed to address all public concerns and build complete trust among residents. The government is determined to ensure minimal impact on people’s properties and residences, and project alignments will be modified accordingly to reduce impact on existing structures. All doubts of people must be cleared to instill confidence among them.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka instructed officials to obtain environmental clearances before proceeding with works and constitute special committees to coordinate finances, approvals, and inter-departmental works. Officials were directed to submit a detailed execution calendar for the project. Musi project Managing Director E.V. Narasimha Reddy explained that an elevated corridor of 55 kilometers from Narsingi to Gowrelli was planned as part of the East-West corridor, with preparation of a detailed project report for expansion from Uppal Bhagath to Gowrelli currently underway.
IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu emphasized the importance of setting clear timelines and ensuring visible progress in the project. Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar stressed the need for precautionary measures in view of the upcoming monsoon season. The Cabinet panel decided to install rubber dams at various locations along the Musi project as part of tourism development, besides enhancing water storage and supporting water sports and boating activities.
Officials concerned were directed to study similar rubber dam installations in Nashik and Mumbai and submit a detailed report. The government’s approach underscores its commitment to safeguarding public interest while executing the ambitious riverfront development project. The project aims to transform the Musi River corridor while ensuring that existing residents and structures are protected through careful planning and modified alignments where necessary.
