Cabinet Approves Inclusion of Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project
ECONOMY & POLICY

Cabinet Approves Inclusion of Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the inclusion of Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project of Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana - Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). The project will receive Rs 36.52 billion in central support towards its completion by March 2029, with an estimated total cost of Rs 62.82 billion.

Project overview
The Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project aims to divert surplus water from the Kosi River to irrigate the Mahananda basin in Bihar by:
• Remodeling the Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC) and extending it from RD 41.30 km to RD 117.50 km, linking it to the Mechi River.
• Creating an additional irrigation potential of 2,10,516 hectares in the Kharif season across Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar districts.
• Utilising 2,050 million cubic meters of surplus Kosi water through the new canal system.
• Restoring water supply to 157,000 hectares in the existing command area of EKMC.

Background and impact
Launched in 2015-16, PMKSY aims to expand irrigation coverage, improve water use efficiency, and promote sustainable water conservation. The government has committed Rs 930.68 billion for the scheme's implementation between 2021-26, with Rs 374.54 billion in central assistance.

So far, 63 irrigation projects under PMKSY-AIBP have been completed, creating an additional 2.61 million hectares of irrigation potential since April 2016. The Kosi Mechi project is the tenth project included under PMKSY 2.0, further strengthening Bihar’s agricultural infrastructure and ensuring water security for farmers.

(PIB)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the inclusion of Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project of Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana - Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). The project will receive Rs 36.52 billion in central support towards its completion by March 2029, with an estimated total cost of Rs 62.82 billion.Project overviewThe Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project aims to divert surplus water from the Kosi River to irrigate the Mahananda basin in Bihar by:• Remodeling the Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC) and extending it from RD 41.30 km to RD 117.50 km, linking it to the Mechi River.• Creating an additional irrigation potential of 2,10,516 hectares in the Kharif season across Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar districts.• Utilising 2,050 million cubic meters of surplus Kosi water through the new canal system.• Restoring water supply to 157,000 hectares in the existing command area of EKMC.Background and impactLaunched in 2015-16, PMKSY aims to expand irrigation coverage, improve water use efficiency, and promote sustainable water conservation. The government has committed Rs 930.68 billion for the scheme's implementation between 2021-26, with Rs 374.54 billion in central assistance.So far, 63 irrigation projects under PMKSY-AIBP have been completed, creating an additional 2.61 million hectares of irrigation potential since April 2016. The Kosi Mechi project is the tenth project included under PMKSY 2.0, further strengthening Bihar’s agricultural infrastructure and ensuring water security for farmers.(PIB)

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Advances in Sustainable Solid Waste Management Technologies

In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, Indian scientists and research institutions have pioneered advanced technologies for the management of solid and plastic waste. These innovations span across various sectors, offering decentralised, eco-friendly solutions that bridge scientific advancement with practical implementation. A range of cutting-edge technologies have been developed for efficient solid waste management: Bio-Methanation for Organic Waste: The CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) has developed a high-rate bio-methanation technology tail..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Sets Up Anusandhan Foundation to Boost National Research

In a landmark move to strengthen India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem, the Government has established the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the ANRF Act, 2023, which was officially notified in February 2024. The foundation is designed to mobilise and manage significant funding across multiple streams for research and development activities across the country. The ANRF will receive financial support through various dedicated streams—the ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund, and Special Purpose Funds. A budgetary provision of R..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DST Clarifies Media Reports on State Science Policy Responses

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has issued a clarification concerning recent media reports alleging a contradiction in its responses to Parliamentary questions regarding the first Indian state to implement a science policy. The department emphasised that the two queries raised in 2022 and 2025 differed in both scope and intent, and that the replies provided were accurate and aligned with the specific questions posed. In response to a Parliamentary Question dated 21 July 2022, which sought to ascertain whether any state government had ever initiated a science policy since Indiaâ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?