May 24, 2022

SMEC awarded consultancy services for the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project

SMEC has been appointed by the Government of Nepal, Department of Water Resources and Irrigation to deliver Consultancy Services for Contract Management and Related Works of Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project (SMDMP).

SMEC's team in Nepal is honoured to be appointed by the Government of Nepal, Department of Water Resources and Irrigation to deliver Contract Management and related consultancy works for the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project (SMDMP).

SMDMP will combine hydropower and irrigation benefits and has been declared a National Pride project by the Nepalese government. SMEC will lead a joint venture with EMAY, Jade Consult and CMS Nepal.

Key features

This multi-purpose project comprises a conventional concrete diversion weir structure (barrage and under sluice bay) across the Sunkoshi River. A discharge of 67 cumecs will be diverted through an intake structure. The diverted water will be passed through a desander to remove silt, before being conveyed via a 13.1 km concrete lined headrace tunnel to a new surface powerhouse on the Marin River.

The available head between the intake and powerhouse will be utilised to generate 28.62 MW. The water downstream of the tailrace will flow through the Marin and Bagmati rivers and will facilitate a year-round irrigation for approximately 122,000 hectares of irrigable land around Bagmati, helping to increase agricultural productivity whilst contributing to the growing energy needs of the country.

Geo-politically, this project will help keep balance in the use of water resources among the provinces. Eventually the project will help recharge ground water storage and augment base flow in local streams, resulting positive effects in the environment.


Sunkoshi Marine contract signing


Summary of scope:

  • Management of construction works under FIDIC
  • Carrying out construction supervision and quality control
  • Checking as-built drawings and design modifications during construction
  • Facilitating procurement of hydro-mechanical and electromechanical contractors
  • Review of operation and maintenance manuals
  • Provision of technical support throughout the implementation phase
  • Finalisation of project completion report
  • Post construction services / supervision during the Defect Notification Period (DNP)
  • Training, capacity building and technology transfer

Client: Department of Water Resources and Irrigation (Nepal Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation)

Location: Sindhuli District, central development region, Nepal

Project duration: 75 months

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