Why in News ?
Prime Minister dedicated the Kosi Rail Mahasetu to the Nation and inaugurated new Rail Lines and Electrification Projects in Bihar for the benefit of passengers through video conference.
About Kosi Rail Mahasetu
- Kosi Rail Mahasetu is 1.9 KM long and its construction cost is Rs. 516 Crore.
- This bridge is of strategic importance along the India-Nepal border.
- The project was completed during the COVID-Pandemic where the migrant labour also participated in its completion.
- The dedication of the Kosi Rail Mahasetu is a watershed moment events in the entire region connecting to the North East.
- What was the Historic Aspect ?
- In 1887, a meter gauge link was built in between Nirmali and Bhaptiahi (Saraigarh).
- During the heavy flood and severe Indo Nepal earthquake in 1934,
- The rail link was washed away and thereafter due to meandering nature of river Kosi no attempt was made to restore this Rail link for long period.
Kosi River
- Kosi drains the northern slopes of the Himalayas in Tibet Autonomous Region and the southern slopes in Nepal and entered into of Indian state Bihar.
- It merge with the Tamor River originating from the Kanchenjunga area in the east and Arun River and Sun Kosi from Tibet.
- In India it join with Ganga river near Kursela in Katihar district.
- The major eight tributaries are Tamur, Arun, Sun Kosi, Dudh Kosi, Likhu Khola, Tama Koshi, Bhote Koshi and Indravati.
- The Kosi River catchment covers six geological and climatic belts comprising the Tibetan plateau, the Himalayas, the Himalayan mid-hill belt, the Mahabharat Range, the Siwalik Hills and the Terai.
- The Kosi River is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” because of its flooding nature.
- Extensive soil erosion and landslides in its upper catchment.
- Also it frequently changes its course during the flood.
Source : PIB
Topic
Prelims : About the Kosi Rail Mahasetu
GS III : Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc
Current Affairs Compilation : 19 September 2020