Cabinet Approves ₹6,282 Cr Kosi-Mechi Link Project in Bihar Under PMKSY-AIBP

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the inclusion of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project in Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP) of the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The approval was granted on March 28, 2025.

The project involves remodelling the existing Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC) from RD 0.00 km to RD 41.30 km and extending it further to the Mechi River at RD 117.50 km. Scheduled for completion by March 2029, the project has a total estimated cost of ₹6,282.32 crore, including a central share of ₹3,652.56 crore.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide irrigation to 2.15 lakh hectares in the districts of Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar, and will also aid in flood mitigation.