Kathmandu– The government has set an ambitious target to complete at least 10 ongoing transmission line projects in this fiscal year as it ramps up investment to strengthen Nepal’s power infrastructure and expand cross-border energy trade.
Unveiling the budget details on Sunday, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle said the energy sector has been given strategic priority with a substantial allocation aimed at accelerating generation, transmission and distribution capacity while drawing private investment into the sector.
Of the total Rs. 85.54 billion allocated for energy, water resources and irrigation, Rs. 70 billion has been specifically earmarked for the completion of under-construction transmission lines and substations.
Among the key projects targeted for completion are the 400kV Hetauda–Dhalkebar–Inaruwa transmission line and the new Khimti–Barhabise–Kathmandu line both considered critical for strengthening the national grid.
Other priority projects include the Lalbandi–Nawalpur–Salimpur 132kV line, Kushaha–Biratnagar 132kV, Nepalgunj–Nanpara 132kV, Kushma–Tallo Modi–Naya Modi 132kV and Kaligandaki–Ridi 132kV transmission corridors.
The government has also listed the Tumlingtar–Shitalpati 220kV line along with Dhalkebar–Balganga 132kV and Bhumai–Hakui 132kV projects for completion within the same period.
To ease load flow and improve stability in the national grid, work on the Hetauda–Ratmate–Lapsifedi–New Damauli–New Butwal 400kV transmission corridor will also be expedited.
In a push for regional energy integration, priority has been given to cross-border transmission links including Butwal–Gorakhpur and Inaruwa–Purniya lines aimed at expanding electricity trade with India.
Meanwhile, feasibility studies and preparatory work are planned for several future corridors such as Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur–Sitamarhi, Lamki–Dodhara–Bareilly, Lamahi–Lucknow, Nijgadh–Motihari and the Chilime Hub–Kerung transmission line.
The government has also announced plans to accelerate the Karnali Corridor national transmission line and expand electrification in remote areas of Karnali Province that are still outside the national grid.
(Info from Rising Nepal)
