Centre Accelerates Kosi–Mechi Link Project; ₹6,143 Crore Irrigation Boost for Bihar
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
New Delhi, July 27: The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Bihar’s irrigation infrastructure by accelerating the Kosi–Mechi Intra-State Link Project, a major water resource initiative aimed at improving irrigation facilities and supporting agricultural development across the state.
The project has been approved under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). The remaining cost of the project has been estimated at ₹6,143.22 crore, out of which the Centre will provide financial assistance of ₹3,652.56 crore. The project is scheduled to be completed by March 2029.
Canal Modernisation Underway
As part of the project, the modernization of the Eastern Kosi Main Canal from kilometre 0.00 to 41.30 has already commenced. The contract for the work has been awarded at a value of ₹2,639.80 crore, and officials reported that approximately 8.5 percent of the physical work has been completed so far.
India-Nepal Cooperation on Kosi Projects
The Central Government also stated that it continues to engage with the Government of Nepal on the construction of multipurpose dams on the Kosi River, with the objective of ensuring flood control, water conservation and mutual economic benefits for both countries.
To facilitate this cooperation, the Joint Project Office (JPO-SKSKI) was established in 2003 for preparing the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of the Sapta Kosi Multipurpose Project and the Sun-Kosi Kamla Diversion Multipurpose Project.
According to the Ministry, several important technical studies have already been completed for both projects, including:
- Topographical surveys
- Hydrological studies
- Water quality assessments
- Seismological investigations
- Communication surveys
- Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) studies
- Geological drilling
- Construction material surveys (for Sapta Kosi)
These studies are expected to support the finalization of the DPRs and future implementation of the projects.
Flood Management Support for Bihar
The Ministry informed Parliament that the Central Government has released ₹206.77 crore to the Government of Bihar over the last three years under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme to strengthen flood mitigation measures in the state.
No Proposal for Permanent Basin Authority
The Government also clarified that no proposal is currently under consideration for establishing a permanent Kosi-Gandak Basin Authority.
Additionally, it was noted that no meeting of the Indo-Nepal Joint Committee was held during the financial year 2025–26.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
The Kosi–Mechi Link Project is regarded as one of Bihar’s most significant irrigation initiatives, expected to enhance water availability, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen flood management, and contribute to the state’s long-term rural development.
