KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ marked a milestone today as the breakthrough of the Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multi-purpose Project tunnel was achieved.

The Prime Minister oversaw the breakthrough during a ceremony held at Kanadhungri, Sunkoshi rural municipality-7.

Things to know:

Length of Tunnel

The Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multi-purpose Project tunnel spans an impressive 13.3 kilometers.

Electricity Generation

Upon completion, the project is expected to generate 31.7 megawatts of electricity, contributing to Nepal’s energy infrastructure.

Irrigation Facilities

One of its key features is the provision of irrigation facilities to approximately 122,000 hectares of agricultural land spread across five districts in Madhesh Province, ensuring year-round water availability for farming.

National Pride Project

The Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multi-purpose Project is recognized as a multi-purpose national pride project, symbolizing Nepal’s commitment to infrastructure development and resource management.

Tunnel Specifications

The tunnel boasts an impressive diameter of 5.5 meters and is constructed using high-quality segments and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring its durability and efficiency.

Contract Details

COVEC, entrusted with the tunnel construction, secured a contract worth Rs 10 billion 50 million and 680 thousand solely for the tunnel construction phase.

World Records

COVEC achieved significant milestones during the project’s execution, setting two new world records for tunnel construction.

They dug an impressive 1,503.3 meters of tunnel in a single month and made remarkable progress, advancing up to 72 meters in a single day.

The Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multi-purpose Project represents a significant leap forward in Nepal’s infrastructure development, addressing critical needs in energy generation, irrigation, and regional development.