Kosi-Mechi intra-state link project to be completed by March 2029; Centre provides Rs 3,652.56 crore assistance
New Delhi, July 27
The Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project has been included under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, with a balance project cost of Rs 6,143.22 crore, including central assistance of Rs 3,652.56 crore, the government informed Parliament on Monday.
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the project is scheduled for completion by March 2029. The remodelling of the Eastern Kosi Main Canal from kilometre 0.00 to 41.30 has been awarded at a contract value of Rs 2,639.80 crore, with physical progress reaching 8.5 per cent so far.
The government also said it is engaged in regular dialogue with the Government of Nepal regarding the construction of dams on the Kosi River for the mutual benefit of both countries, including flood control measures.
It said the Joint Project Office (JPO-SKSKI), constituted in 2003 to prepare the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Sapta Kosi Multipurpose Project and the Sun-Kosi Kamla Diversion Multipurpose Project, has completed several key studies, including topographical, hydrological, seismological, water quality and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) studies for both projects. Drilling and communication surveys have also been completed.
The Centre further informed that no meeting of the Indo-Nepal Joint Committee was held during 2025-26. It added that central assistance of Rs 206.77 crore has been released to Bihar under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme over the last three years.
The government also clarified that no proposal for setting up a permanent Kosi-Gandak Basin Authority is currently under consideration.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see the Nepal dialogue mentioned. Kosi is a transboundary river, and without Nepal's cooperation, flood management is half-baked. But why no Kosi-Gandak Authority? We need a permanent mechanism, not just project-based talks. Also, only 8.5% physical progress so far—team needs to pick up pace! 🤔
This is PM Krishi Sinchayi Yojana at work. Central assistance of over 60% of project cost shows commitment to eastern India's agriculture. But I'm concerned about the Sapta Kosi project—DPRs have been sitting since 2003! 22 years and still only studies completed? Time to move from paper to ground. 🚜
As someone who works in water resource management, this is a textbook example of how Indian infrastructure projects lag. ₹2,639 crore awarded for canal remodelling but only 8.5% progress? At this rate, 2029 seems optimistic. Need stricter milestones and public accountability. Still, good to see focus on Bihar's irrigation needs.
My village is in north Bihar—Kosi floods are a yearly nightmare. This intra-state link will divert water to drier Mechi region, balancing both flood and drought. But ₹206 crore in 3 years for flood management under FMBA? That's peanuts given Bihar's vulnerability. We need more sustained funding, not just project announcements.
No Kosi-Gandak Basin Authority? That's a missed opportunity. These rivers share similar flood and irrigation challenges—a unified approach would save costs and improve efficiency. The Nepal
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