Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Sitharaman Orders Faster Kosi Dam Project Report Completion
Bihar wants to build and advance several large development projects.
One important proposal is a high-level dam on the Kosi River.
The dam is planned by India and Nepal to help reduce flooding.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told officials to finish the project report quickly.
Bihar also requested money for one part of the Kosi-Mechi river-link project and approval for another part.
The projects could help irrigation, farming and water management in Bihar.
The meeting also discussed universities, roads and religious corridors.
Both sides said they would work together on Bihar’s development.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman directed the early completion of the Detailed Project Report for a high-level dam on the Kosi River.
She asked the National Water Development Agency and Ministry of Jal Shakti to address funding for the Kosi-Mechi Link Project’s first phase and technical approval for its second phase.
The high-level dam, jointly proposed by India and Nepal, is intended to help control flooding in southeastern Nepal and northern Bihar.
The meeting agreed to include a Bihar representative on the Joint Technical Expert Committee for the dam project.
Bihar officials also sought faster progress on Vikramshila University, NIFTEM, the Sone-Phalgu River Link Project and temple corridors.
- Who
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, along with other Bihar officials.
- What
- Sitharaman directed the early completion of the Detailed Project Report for a high-level Kosi River dam and discussed funding and approvals for other Bihar projects.
- When
- The meeting and announcement were reported on August 22, 2026.
- Where
- The meeting took place in New Delhi; the projects concern Bihar, the Kosi River and areas of Nepal.
- Why
- The dam is intended to help control floods, while the wider projects are meant to support irrigation, agriculture, water management and Bihar’s development.
- High-level dam
- A joint India-Nepal proposal on the Kosi River to control flooding in southeastern Nepal and northern Bihar.
- DPR directive
- Nirmala Sitharaman directed that the Detailed Project Report be completed expeditiously.
- Kosi-Mechi Link Project
- Bihar sought funding for the first phase and technical approval for the second phase.
- Technical committee
- A Bihar representative will be included in the Joint Technical Expert Committee.
- Vikramshila University
- The Bihar government has provided 219 acres of land in Bhagalpur.
- NIFTEM
- The state has made 100 acres of land available in Hajipur.
- Other projects
- The meeting also covered the Sone-Phalgu River Link Project, Mahabodhi Corridor and Vishnupad Temple Corridor.