Uttarakhand Irrigation Minister Satpal Maharaj has directed concerned officials to expedite construction work on the Sharda Barrage being built on the Sharda (Mahakali) River, citing its strategic importance for irrigation, connectivity and bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal.
The directive followed a courtesy meeting between Maharaj and Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Dr Shankar Prasad Sharma, in New Delhi. The discussions were held in the presence of Lieutenant Colonel Sameer Jaffery, Director of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), Under Secretary Bhupendra Singh Rawat, and Nepal’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Dr Surendra Thapa.
Emphasising the long-standing and cordial relations between the two neighbouring countries, the Minister underlined the urgency of completing the Sharda Barrage project. He noted that the existing Banbasa Barrage has outlived its designed lifespan, making it imperative to either undertake comprehensive retrofitting or construct a new bridge in its place to ensure safety and uninterrupted operations.
The meeting also featured detailed discussions on the proposal to develop a Dry Port at Banbasa, which is expected to enhance cross-border trade, logistics efficiency and economic activity in the region.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening infrastructure cooperation and coordination on projects of mutual interest along the India–Nepal border.