Sunkoshi Marin contract cancellation defers Madhesh irrigation dream
Summary
The Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project’s contract for the dam and powerhouse has been cancelled just before financial bids were to be opened, raising fresh uncertainty over a delayed project meant to irrigate 122,000 hectares in Madhesh. The move could push completion back further and delay electricity generation and year-round water supply to five Tarai districts.
Key Points
- The contract for the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project’s dam and powerhouse has been cancelled days before financial proposals were to be opened.
- The project aims to irrigate 122,000 hectares in five Tarai districts and generate 31.07 megawatts of electricity.
- The previous contractor, Patel-Raman JV, had its contract terminated after progress remained far behind schedule and was later blacklisted for three years.
- Former energy minister Kulman Ghising criticised the cancellation, warning that restarting the procurement process could delay the project by another six months to a year.
