The first riverfront project in the state has materialized along the 2.7-km stretch of the Tunga river in Shivamogga, also recognised as the Gateway of Malnad.

It was conveyed that this stretch had been converted into a promising tourist attraction, inspired by the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad. The stretch, which extends from the bypass bridge to Bekkina Kalamata, would soon be open for people to explore. It was disclosed that this initiative was one of the flagship projects of the Shivamogga Smart City (SSCL), which had executed the riverfront development at a cost of Rs 1.03 billion.

Sources within SSCL informed TNIE that KMV Project undertook the project in 2019 to develop infrastructure, including a pedestrian bridge and promenade on the northern banks of the Tunga. The key attractions of the riverfront area comprised a 2.63-km footpath and 2.60-km bicycle path, saplings of various species, gardens, children?s play areas, an interactive fountain, outdoor gym equipment, climbing walls for adventurers, a multi-purpose sports complex, sculptures of animals, murals, and Lata mantaps.

Additionally, the stretch featured an open-air theatre, a canteen on the ground floor, a parking area with food stalls, an information centre, a lawn on the upper floor, observation towers, pedestrian bridges at two locations, 12 drinking water units, toilets, and two boat jetties.

District in-charge minister Madhu Bangarappa was reported to have inaugurated the project.