The Telangana Government has reiterated that the ambitious Musi Riverfront Development Project is not merely a river cleaning exercise but a broader social responsibility. The Government is firm that development of the river should not displace people but should involve them as stakeholders and hence, detailed guidelines have been drafted for taking up the Phase I project.

Five phases covering 55 km

The project is planned in five phases covering 55 km with technical and financial discussions on Phase-I — involving an estimated ₹7,055 crore — successfully completed with the Asian Development Bank for funding.

The Cabinet sub-committee on Musi rejuvenation instructed officials to start construction work of the initial phase spanning five km within 21 km stretch from Himayatsagar to Bapughat and Osmansagar to Bapughat with minimal impact.

According to the guidelines, works pertaining to removal of solid waste and river cleaning would be taken up along with 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 would follow.

‘Determined to ensure minimal impact on people’s properties and residences’

The Cabinet panel, during its meeting on Friday (May 8, 2026) resolved to implement the project in a transparent manner and officials were directed to address all public concerns and build complete trust among them as safeguarding their interest was of paramount interest to the government. It was determined to ensure minimal impact on people’s properties and residences and project alignments should be modified accordingly to reduce impact on existing structures.

Musi project Managing Director E.V. Narasimha Reddy explained that an elevated corridor of 55 km from Narsingi to Gowrelli was planned as part of the East-West corridor and preparation of detailed project report (DPR) for expansion from Uppal Bhagath to Gowrelli was underway.

Obtain environmental clearances before proceeding with works: Bhatti

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. With December next year set as deadline for the completion of the project, officials were directed to submit a detailed execution calendar.

IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu was particular about setting clear timelines and ensuring visible progress in the project while another member, 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. Officials concerned were accordingly directed to study similar installations in Nashik and Mumbai and submit a detailed report.

Telangana Cabinet subcommittee’s meeting on Musi Riverfront Development Project with officials on May 8, 2026 | Video Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT