Cabinet includes Bihar's Kosi–Mechi intra-state link under PMKSY-AIBP; ₹3,652 crore central aid
The CCEA approved inclusion of Bihar's Kosi–Mechi Intra-State Link Project, costing ₹6,282.32 crore, under PMKSY-AIBP on 28 March 2025, with ₹3,652.56 crore central support and completion by March 2029.
Summary
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved inclusion of the Kosi–Mechi Intra-State Link Project of Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana–Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP) of the Ministry of Jal Shakti on 28 March 2025. The project costs ₹6,282.32 crore, with central assistance of ₹3,652.56 crore, and is to be completed by March 2029. It diverts part of the Kosi's surplus water to the Mahananda basin by remodelling the Eastern Kosi Main Canal up to 41.30 km and extending it to the Mechi river at 117.50 km, linking the Kosi and Mechi within Bihar. It will give 2,10,516 hectares of additional Kharif irrigation in Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj and Katihar districts and divert about 2,050 million cubic metres of Kosi water.
Key facts
- Approved
- 28 March 2025, CCEA
- Scheme
- PMKSY-AIBP (Ministry of Jal Shakti)
- Cost
- ₹6,282.32 crore; central aid ₹3,652.56 crore
- Deadline
- March 2029
- Canal
- Eastern Kosi Main Canal extended from 41.30 km to Mechi at 117.50 km
- Irrigation
- 2,10,516 ha (Kharif) in Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, Katihar
- Water diverted
- About 2,050 MCM
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under which programme did the CCEA include the Kosi–Mechi Intra-State Link Project of Bihar on 28 March 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — PMKSY-Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme
The project was included under PMKSY-AIBP of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, with ₹3,652.56 crore central support.
The Kosi–Mechi link project approved on 28 March 2025 will divert surplus Kosi water into which river basin in Bihar?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Mahananda
The project diverts part of the Kosi's surplus water to the Mahananda basin, irrigating Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj and Katihar.