The Union government has given its nod to a major funding proposal from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Musi Riverfront Development Project. As part of the first phase, around ₹4,100 crore will be released, according to reports.
A consortium of leading firms including Meinhardt, Cushman & Wakefield, RIOS, ZHA, and SOM is expected to present detailed project reports (DPRs) and comprehensive designs within the next two weeks. The approval follows discussions in New Delhi between Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and ADB officials, with guidance from the Union Finance Ministry and state municipal administration.
The ambitious initiative envisions transforming a 55 km stretch of the Musi within HMDA limits into a vibrant cultural, recreational, and urban hub. Planned highlights include the Gateway of Hyderabad at Kothwalguda and Gandhi Sarovar at Bapu Ghat, featuring the world’s tallest Mahatma Gandhi statue along with a museum dedicated to Gandhian values.
According to officials, the riverbed will undergo a thorough clean-up, with walking tracks, shopping zones, amphitheatres, entertainment spaces, and other utilities being developed. The project also aims to create a strong night-time economy while showcasing statues of notable personalities from Telangana and across India.
In addition to modern facilities, the rejuvenation blueprint integrates heritage conservation. Proposed developments include the centuries-old Lord Shiva temple at Manchirevula, the Charminar Mosque, a Gurudwara at Sikhchowni, and a church modeled after the Medak Cathedral at Uppal.
The Gateway of Hyderabad will function as a major connectivity hub, linking Chandanvelly and Seetharampur SEZs, the Outer Ring Road, the Chincholi highway, and three key industrial parks. A new road corridor will also cut travel between Gandipet and Ramoji Film City from 85 km to 55 km, easing congestion along existing routes.
To maintain water quality and flow, the government plans to draw 20 tmcft from the Mallannasagar Dam to refill Osmansagar and Himayatsagar, ensuring clean water reaches downstream areas up to Nalgonda district while restricting untreated drainage inflows into the Musi.