Kathmandu, 24 August (H.S.): Several major electricity transmission lines in Nepal are scheduled to become operational by December this year, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

The projects include three high-capacity Nepal-India cross-border transmission lines, which are expected to be commissioned by December. Among them, the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar-Hetauda and New Butwal-Gorakhpur transmission lines, being developed with the support of the Government of India, are considered strategically important.

According to NEA Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, the completion of the transmission projects under construction will enable electricity to be transmitted from east to west and west to east according to demand. At present, the limited capacity of Nepal's internal transmission network prevents electricity from being transferred across the country in line with demand. The new transmission lines are expected to strengthen domestic power supply as well as facilitate electricity exports.

Seven 132-kV transmission lines scheduled for commissioning:

Kohalpur-Dailekh: The 32-km transmission line is targeted to become operational by October 2026. Foundations for 80 of the 101 towers have been completed, while 32 towers have been fully erected. Work is underway to complete the remaining towers and commission the project.

Kali Gandaki-Ridi: Construction of all 70 towers of the 22.5-km transmission line has been completed. Conductors have also been strung along an 8.55-km section. The project is being prepared for commissioning by the end of September.

Bhumahi-Hukai: The 14.4-km transmission line will have a total of 47 towers, of which foundations for 22 have already been completed. The authority has said the remaining work will be completed within 11 months, with the line targeted for commissioning by December 2026.

Amarpur-Dhungesahu: The 19.2-km transmission line is targeted for commissioning in November. Foundations for 62 of its 67 towers have been completed, while 27 towers have been fully erected. The remaining work includes construction of the outstanding towers and stringing of conductors.

Lalbandi-Simalpur: Construction of the 20-km transmission line has been completed. Preparations are underway to charge the line after completing the necessary formalities, and the authority expects it to become operational by October.

Balefi-Bahrabise: The 20-km transmission line will have 63 towers. Foundations for 59 towers have been completed, while 43 towers have been fully erected. The remaining towers will be constructed and conductors strung, with the project targeted for commissioning by June next year.

Kushma-New Modi: The 12-km transmission line will comprise 37 towers, of which foundations for seven have been completed. The authority plans to complete tower construction and conductor stringing during the remaining period and bring the project into operation by July next year.

Completion of these transmission projects is expected to strengthen Nepal's internal electricity transmission network, improve the reliability of power supply and facilitate the east-west transmission of electricity. The increased transmission capacity is also expected to support the export of surplus electricity to neighbouring countries.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar