Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Projectसप्तकोशी उच्च बाँध बहुउद्देश्यीय आयोजना
A proposed multipurpose high dam on the Saptakoshi (Koshi) River near Barahakshetra, Sunsari, jointly studied by India and Nepal, aimed primarily at flood control plus ~2,300 MW of power. The dam height was reduced to ~304.8 m (from 337 m) in 2023, and the sides agreed to prepare a DPR within 30 months — but strong local opposition over inundation persists and construction has not started.
Installed capacity
2,300 MW
Reservoir
River / basin
Saptakoshi (Koshi)
Koshi basin
Location
Sunsari
Koshi
Expected online
TBD
Proposed / under development
Milestones & projected timeline
Key dates so far, with planned milestones marked. Future dates are targets from the developer or government and frequently shift.
- 2004
Joint Project Office established in Nepal
- 2023
Nepal-India agree to reduce dam height (~2,300 MW)
- 2025
DPR preparation under discussion
- TBDPlanned
Construction subject to DPR and consent
Location
Approximate dam-area location on OpenStreetMap — precise to the district and river reach, not the exact structure.
Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Project: key facts
Quick answers on capacity, river, developer, status and commissioning, drawn from the sourced data above.
What is the capacity of the Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Project?+
The Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Project has an installed capacity of 2,300 MW. It is a reservoir hydropower scheme.
Which river is the Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Project on?+
The project is on the Saptakoshi (Koshi) River, part of Nepal's Koshi basin, in Sunsari district, Koshi Province.
Who is developing the Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Project?+
The Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Project is developed by India–Nepal joint (Joint Project Office) (joint venture), with Government of India and Government of Nepal.
What is the status of the Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Project?+
As of mid-2026 the project is proposed / under development. Flood-control-led multipurpose dam; height reduced to ~304.8 m / ~2,300 MW; strong local opposition; no construction
Sources & data note
Figures for Saptakoshi High Dam Multipurpose Project are compiled from the sources below and cross-checked where possible. Status and projected dates reflect research as of mid-2026 and may change as the project progresses. The map location is an approximate dam-area estimate. Commentary is Amarnepal's own.