A new riverfront development project inspired by the popular Brahmaputra Riverfront at Uzan Bazar is set to take shape along the banks of the Bahini River in Guwahati’s Basistha area, offering residents a modern recreational space while revitalising a neglected stretch of riverbank.
The foundation stone for the Basistha Riverfront project was recently laid by Brahmaputra Board Chairman Dr. Ranbir Singh. The project will be developed near the Brahmaputra Board office in Basistha and is expected to become a significant urban beautification initiative in the city.
According to officials, the riverfront will be constructed along a nearly half-kilometre stretch of embankment extending from the National Highway at Basistha to Gosaibari near Beltola. The project has been planned with the objective of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the riverbank while creating a public space for recreation and community engagement.
The riverfront is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹2.68 crore and is expected to be completed within eight months. Once finished, it will feature landscaped green spaces, dedicated walking tracks, seating arrangements for senior citizens and recreational facilities for visitors of all age groups.
A key attraction of the project will be stepped seating areas along the riverbank, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the Bahini River in a relaxed environment. Officials believe the development will provide residents with a new destination for leisure activities while promoting greater public interaction with the city's waterways.
The initiative is also expected to transform a section of the embankment that had reportedly been used as a dumping ground in recent years. Authorities hope the development will help restore the area’s environmental and visual appeal while encouraging cleaner and more responsible use of public spaces.
The project has received a positive response from local residents, many of whom view it as a long-awaited step towards improving the quality of urban infrastructure in the locality. Residents have expressed optimism that the riverfront will emerge as a clean, accessible and attractive public destination.
Members of the Greater Bhetapara Senior Citizens' Association have also welcomed the initiative. The association noted that it had submitted a proposal for a similar development to the Brahmaputra Board nearly five years ago and expressed satisfaction that the project is finally being implemented.
Once completed, the Basistha Riverfront is expected to emerge as a new landmark in Guwahati, providing recreational opportunities, enhancing the city’s urban landscape and contributing to the rejuvenation of the Bahini River corridor.
