Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the Hirakud region into a major tourism hub featuring floatels, cruise tourism, ropeways, eco-resorts, waterfront attractions, and adventure tourism facilities across Sambalpur and Jharsuguda districts.
The large-scale initiative aims to develop the Hirakud belt as an integrated and sustainable tourism destination centered on nature, culture, heritage, and adventure-based experiences.
As part of the project, the government is preparing a comprehensive masterplan under a dedicated regional tourism development authority named HIRAKUD to oversee tourism infrastructure and long-term planning in the region.
The proposed development strategy divides the tourism zone into three major clusters with plans for hotel districts, museums, eco-resorts, adventure tourism areas, ropeway systems, cruise and floating accommodation facilities, waterfront recreation zones, and improved transport connectivity including airstrip development.
Several flagship projects are already underway in the region. These include the Arrival Plaza and Dam Museum near the Hirakud Dam, along with a Light and Laser Symphony show designed to showcase the dam’s history, engineering significance, and cultural heritage.
The government is also redeveloping important religious and cultural sites in and around the Hirakud region to improve tourist accessibility and visitor facilities. Some projects have been targeted for completion by March 2027.
In another major addition, NTPC Limited is expected to establish an Energy Technology Experience Centre in the region to promote industrial and educational tourism.
The plan also focuses heavily on eco-tourism. Authorities are working on upgrading the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary into a world-class eco-tourism destination with improved safari infrastructure, accommodation facilities, interpretation centres, and nature-based tourism activities.
Officials said the overall objective is to position Hirakud as one of eastern India’s leading tourism circuits while generating employment opportunities, attracting private investment, and promoting sustainable regional development.
The transformation plan is expected to significantly boost tourism in western Odisha by leveraging the region’s natural landscapes, wildlife, river systems, and cultural heritage assets.
