Inaugurated in 2023, the Chambal River Front in Kota was envisioned as an idyllic destination—a Rs 1,200 crore initiative featuring 26 ghats, intricately designed pillars, replicas of the Lal Qila and the Taj Mahal, a substantial 25-ton gunmetal mask of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and a tranquil walkway for evening strolls. However, low visitor attendance and rising expenses have sparked a political discourse questioning whether this flagship project initiated by the previous Congress government is becoming an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
Officials from the Kota Development Authority (KDA), responsible for overseeing the project, revealed that the Chambal River Front is currently operating at approximately 50% loss. “We average about 1,000 visitors daily, totaling around 3.6 lakh annually. Our revenue stands at roughly Rs 1 crore, while expenditures reach Rs 2.10 crore,” Mahendra Saxena, an executive engineer with the KDA, shared with The Indian Express. “We are actively seeking to attract more tourists, as it has the potential to offer an enjoyable experience, but we require increased foot traffic.” Another official noted that peak visitor numbers are observed during summer and winter holidays.
Launched on September 12, 2023—just a month prior to the Rajasthan Assembly elections—the Chambal River Front has been promoted as India’s first “heritage riverfront” project, aimed at reshaping Kota’s identity beyond its reputation as a coaching hub. However, the project has faced challenges since its inception, including legal issues arising shortly after its launch. The National Green Tribunal is currently investigating alleged environmental violations associated with the construction along the river, focusing on necessary clearances and ecological repercussions.
Moreover, operational costs continue to rise. For example, the daily evening aarti ceremony along the riverfront imposes a monthly expense of Rs 12 lakh on the administration, according to officials. To augment revenue, the riverfront is also made available for weddings and other social events, with the hope that this will gradually boost visitor numbers. A notable event hosted there was the wedding of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s daughter in 2023.
Sandeep Sharma, the BJP MLA for Kota South, has criticized the project as a “waste of government resources.” He argues, “Even if one believes that the riverfront was necessary for beautifying the city and river, the ghats are lacking in greenery, trees, and shaded areas. Did the Congress government expect people to visit only at night? The daytime sun is intense. So much money has been wasted, and if the KDA runs out of funds, these structures could become abandoned.” He also attributes the low visitor numbers to the “high” entry fee of Rs 200, indicating that local residents are unlikely to pay such a fee regularly, while tourists are scarce due to Kota’s reputation as a coaching center rather than a tourist destination.
Conversely, Kota North MLA Shanti Dhariwal, a proponent of the project, defends it and points fingers at the ruling BJP government for its current situation. Although the KDA claims to have made two attempts to transfer operations to a private operator, these efforts have not resulted in finalized agreements. Dhariwal contends that the BJP lacks the expertise needed to manage such a project effectively. “They proposed a tender of Rs 6 crore to assign it to one private entity. Why would a company engage with the riverfront at such a high initial cost? They should start at a lower rate and then increase it,” he argued.
He also criticizes the lack of functional shops along the promenade, which contributes to the low tourist turnout. “There are 100 shops in the riverfront area, but only about 10 are operational. Visitors on a long walk would appreciate some refreshments. The state government has failed to promote tourism in the city or to manage the project effectively,” Dhariwal stated.
Despite the challenges, the riverfront does attract some regular visitors. Manish Singh, a resident of Himachal Pradesh visiting family in Kota, regards it as his preferred spot in the city. However, he concurs that the entry fee is excessive. “It’s a lovely place to enjoy the evening, with the fountain show, the Chambal Aarti, and various cultural events—it’s a great experience,” he noted. “But the Rs 200 entry fee, along with an additional Rs 200 for a golf cart seat, makes it unaffordable for many.”
