India, July 28 -- The Centre has included the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link project in Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana's Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP) at a balance cost of Rs 6,143.22 crore, with the central government providing over 50 per cent financial assistance, Parliament was informed on Monday.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said the river linking project is scheduled for completion by March 2029.

He said the remodelling of the Eastern Kosi main canal from km 0 to 41.30 has been taken up at an awarded contract value of Rs 2,639.80 crore.

"Physical progress of 8.5 per cent has been achieved so far," the minister said.

On th...