Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project Tunnel Achieves Breakthrough

A significant breakthrough has been achieved in the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project tunnel, with the final point of the 13.3-kilometer-long tunnel being completed in the presence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during a ceremony on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Dahal expressed confidence that the completion of this National Pride project would enhance irrigation facilities and create economic opportunities once operational. He emphasized that the project's completion would facilitate year-round irrigation in the fertile lands of five districts in the Madhesh Province, ultimately contributing to economic growth and hydropower generation.

Highlighting the importance of the agricultural sector in Nepal's economy, Prime Minister Dahal noted that increased agricultural productivity would lead to self-sufficiency in food supply and improve food security, ultimately helping to reduce the trade deficit.

Located in Sindhuli district, approximately 120 km southeast of Kathmandu, on the BP Highway, the diversion tunnel is expected to provide round-the-year irrigation to five drought-prone districts in the southern plains. The project aims to irrigate around 122,000 hectares of fertile lands in the Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Bara districts.

The project involves diverting water from the Sunkoshi River to the Marin River in Sindhuli through a seven-meter-wide tunnel, which will then be channeled into the Bagmati Irrigation Project to irrigate fields. Additionally, a 12-meter high barrage across the Sunkoshi River will divert water through the tunnel to Kusumtar in Ward 6 of Kamalamai Municipality. A powerhouse will also be constructed on the Marin River to generate 31.07 megawatts of electricity.