Two mega projects to transform Hyderabad
ECONOMY & POLICY

Two mega projects to transform Hyderabad

The Musi Riverfront Development Project, aimed at revitalising Hyderabad’s iconic river, echoes a transformative initiative undertaken by the Nizam’s government over a century ago. While the objectives and context may differ, both projects share a common urgency to reshape the city’s landscape and improve its livability.

In the early 20th century, the devastating flood of September 28, 1908, ravaged Hyderabad, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The calamity prompted Nizam Osman Ali Khan to establish the ‘City Improvement Board’ (CIB) to reconstruct and rejuvenate the city. This endeavour was not only about repairing the damage but also about addressing urban congestion and improving health conditions amidst the epidemics that followed the flood. The CIB’s mission of *Araish-e-Baldia* or the beautification of the city led to large-scale slum clearances and resettlements.

Today, history seems to be repeating itself along the Musi riverbed, where survey teams from the Revenue and Irrigation departments, alongside civic officials, are marking houses for demolition in Chaderghat, Yakutpura, Langar Houz, and Imliban. The goal? To reclaim the river’s banks and transform it into a vibrant urban space with parks, plazas, cycle tracks, and recreational zones.

The challenges faced by the Musi Riverfront Development Project bear striking similarities to those encountered by the CIB over a century ago. During the CIB’s campaign, thousands of families living along the riverbanks were relocated to newly constructed housing in the northern part of the city, designed according to modern sanitation principles. The same approach is being adopted today: affected families will be resettled in pre-built 2BHK units as part of a state plan to provide alternative accommodation.

“Despite the large-scale demolitions, the Nizam-era project preserved the historic essence of the city,” notes historian Sajjad Shahid, who has extensively studied the CIB’s role in Hyderabad’s development. “The current government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, is taking a bold step that could redefine the city’s urban character. It’s a monumental task, but if successful, it will be beneficial for Hyderabad’s future.”

The need for such bold urban initiatives is not new. In a 1930 report, renowned engineer Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya advocated for more open spaces and recreational areas in Hyderabad. “It is necessary to create more gardens, parks, and open spaces to provide playgrounds for children and areas of recreation for the public,” he wrote.

The modern iteration of this vision is encapsulated in the Musi Riverfront Development Plan. According to the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited’s Expression of Interest document, the project aims to create “people’s plazas, green spaces, hawker zones, bridges, tourist and recreational areas, sports facilities, parking areas, and hospitality infrastructure” to transform the riverfront into a lively urban space that connects the people to the river.

As the city moves forward with this ambitious project, it’s clear that the legacy of urban transformation, first set in motion over a century ago, still drives Hyderabad’s quest for a better, more liveable future. (The Hindu)

The Musi Riverfront Development Project, aimed at revitalising Hyderabad’s iconic river, echoes a transformative initiative undertaken by the Nizam’s government over a century ago. While the objectives and context may differ, both projects share a common urgency to reshape the city’s landscape and improve its livability. In the early 20th century, the devastating flood of September 28, 1908, ravaged Hyderabad, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The calamity prompted Nizam Osman Ali Khan to establish the ‘City Improvement Board’ (CIB) to reconstruct and rejuvenate the city. This endeavour was not only about repairing the damage but also about addressing urban congestion and improving health conditions amidst the epidemics that followed the flood. The CIB’s mission of *Araish-e-Baldia* or the beautification of the city led to large-scale slum clearances and resettlements. Today, history seems to be repeating itself along the Musi riverbed, where survey teams from the Revenue and Irrigation departments, alongside civic officials, are marking houses for demolition in Chaderghat, Yakutpura, Langar Houz, and Imliban. The goal? To reclaim the river’s banks and transform it into a vibrant urban space with parks, plazas, cycle tracks, and recreational zones. The challenges faced by the Musi Riverfront Development Project bear striking similarities to those encountered by the CIB over a century ago. During the CIB’s campaign, thousands of families living along the riverbanks were relocated to newly constructed housing in the northern part of the city, designed according to modern sanitation principles. The same approach is being adopted today: affected families will be resettled in pre-built 2BHK units as part of a state plan to provide alternative accommodation. “Despite the large-scale demolitions, the Nizam-era project preserved the historic essence of the city,” notes historian Sajjad Shahid, who has extensively studied the CIB’s role in Hyderabad’s development. “The current government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, is taking a bold step that could redefine the city’s urban character. It’s a monumental task, but if successful, it will be beneficial for Hyderabad’s future.” The need for such bold urban initiatives is not new. In a 1930 report, renowned engineer Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya advocated for more open spaces and recreational areas in Hyderabad. “It is necessary to create more gardens, parks, and open spaces to provide playgrounds for children and areas of recreation for the public,” he wrote. The modern iteration of this vision is encapsulated in the Musi Riverfront Development Plan. According to the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited’s Expression of Interest document, the project aims to create “people’s plazas, green spaces, hawker zones, bridges, tourist and recreational areas, sports facilities, parking areas, and hospitality infrastructure” to transform the riverfront into a lively urban space that connects the people to the river. As the city moves forward with this ambitious project, it’s clear that the legacy of urban transformation, first set in motion over a century ago, still drives Hyderabad’s quest for a better, more liveable future. (The Hindu)

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Delegation Visits South Africa for Trade and Investment Talks

A nine-member Indian delegation participated in the second session of the India-South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) held in Pretoria from 22 to 23 April 2025. Discussions were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, focusing on expanding trade ties, boosting investments, and fostering greater people-to-people exchanges. The meeting was co-chaired by Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director, Bilateral Trade Relations, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, and Priya Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, India. Delegates from the High Commission ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Ministry of Cooperation Inaugurates NCOL Organic Packaging Facility

The Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated a new state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The centre is dedicated to packaging pulses and organic products while maintaining high hygiene and quality standards. Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, called the facility a major milestone in promoting the Bharat Organics brand. The initiative aims to empower farmers and expand access to certified organic produce across India, while offering premium prices to farmers and affordable organic food to consumers. Un..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Adani Airport Seeks $750 Million Loan from Global Banks

Adani Group is in discussions for an offshore loan of up to $750 million for its airport arm, Adani Airport Holdings Limited, with international banks such as Barclays Plc, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, and Standard Chartered Bank Plc. The funds will support capital expenditure and repay dollar-denominated debt maturing in September. The deal is expected to conclude by early May. Adani Airport Holdings Limited operates seven major airports across India and is preparing to open a new international hub worth $two billion on the outskirts of Mumbai. This would be the Group’s second significant o..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?