Madhesh govt orders quick completion of Sunkoshi-Marin Project
Although the tunnel excavation was completed ahead of schedule, the overall project has stalled due to severe negligence by the contractor responsible for key structural works.
KATHMANDU: The construction of the Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project — regarded as a lifeline for agriculture and drinking water in the Terai-Madhesh region — has faced significant delays. Although the tunnel excavation was completed ahead of schedule, the overall project has stalled due to severe negligence by the contractor responsible for key structural works. This prompted the Madhesh Province government to express serious concern and intervene directly by inspecting the site.
On Saturday, a high-level team led by Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh, alongside Minister for Energy, Irrigation and Drinking Water Sheshnarayan Yadav, and Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Saroj Kumar Yadav, visited the project site in Sindhuli for an on-site review. During the inspection, Chief Minister Singh openly expressed his frustration over the disappointing progress. “This delay in a project considered a lifeline while Madhesh is suffering from drought is completely unacceptable,” he stated. “The construction company must complete the work within the designated timeline without excuses, or the government will take strict action.”
Project Chief Achyutaraj Gautam briefed the team on the overall status. According to him, the Chinese firm China Overseas Engineering Group, responsible for tunneling, has completed the 13.3-kilometer tunnel ahead of schedule. However, Patel Raman JV Construction, contracted for headworks including dam and other major structures, has caused near-total halt of the project.
Despite half the contract duration having passed, Patel Raman JV has achieved only 10 percent physical progress, alarming the provincial government. Minister Sheshnarayan Yadav emphasized, “This project is directly linked to the future of millions of farmers in Madhesh. We have issued a final warning to speed up work without compromising quality.”
Nabin Chaudhary from Patel Raman JV cited continuous rainfall, soil issues, local demands, and land disputes as reasons for the delay. He admitted previous work stoppages but promised to accelerate progress going forward.
With an estimated total cost of around Rs 5 billion, Rs 1.933 billion has been allocated to date, of which Rs 1.65 billion has been spent. Yet, overall physical progress stands at only 36.83 percent. Most expenditures have gone into tunnel construction, while remaining works are stalled, putting government investment at risk.
