Rs 6,143 cr Kosi-Mechi link project in Bihar approved, target completion by March 2029: Govt
The Centre has included the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link project in Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana's Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP) at a balance cost of Rs 6,143.22 crore, with the central government providing over 50 per cent financial assistance, Parliament was informed on Monday.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said the river linking project is scheduled for completion by March 2029.
He said the remodelling of the Eastern Kosi main canal from km 0 to 41.30 has been taken up at an awarded contract value of Rs 2,639.80 crore.
"Physical progress of 8.5 per cent has been achieved so far," the minister said.
On the long-pending proposal for dams on the Kosi river in Nepal, Choudhary said the Centre is engaged in regular dialogue with the neighbouring country for projects that would benefit both nations, including flood control.
"The Government of India is engaged in regular dialogue with the Government of Nepal regarding construction of dams on the Kosi river for the mutual benefit of both countries, including flood control," he said.
The minister said a joint project office (JPO-SKSKI), constituted in 2003, has been mandated to prepare the detailed project reports (DPRs) for the Sapta-Kosi multipurpose project and the Sun-Kosi Kamla diversion multipurpose project.
He said topographical surveys, hydrological and seismological studies, water quality surveys, communication surveys and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) studies have been completed for both projects.
Drilling of 1,258 metres has been completed for the Sapta-Kosi project, while drilling of 1,549 metres has been completed for the Sun-Kosi Kamla diversion project.
Choudhary also informed the House that "no meeting of Indo-Nepal joint committee was held during 2025-26."
The Centre has released Rs 206.77 crore to Bihar under the flood management and border areas programme during the last three years, he said.
Replying to a query on a permanent Kosi-Gandak basin authority, the minister said, "No proposal for a permanent Kosi-Gandak basin authority is under consideration of the Government of India."
