December 12:  A 220 KV power transmission line along the Kaligandaki corridor has commenced operations, providing a crucial boost to the stability of power supply in the districts of Nawalparasi and Rupandehi.

Minister for Energy, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, officially inaugurated the 90-kilometer transmission line on Monday.

Stretching from Khurkot in Kushma Municipality-2, Parbat, to the New Butwal Substation at Suryabasti in Sunwal Municipality-13, Bardhaghat Susta Paschim, the transmission line is set to transmit power generated from hydropower projects in the Kaligandaki river and its tributaries.  The line boasts a remarkable capacity to transmit 1,200 megawatts of power.

Minister Basnet emphasized the pivotal role of the Kaligandaki corridor transmission line in facilitating power supply across the east-west regions of Nepal and supporting trans-border power trade.

Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Kulman Ghising, highlighted the New Butwal Substation as a key hub for power pooling, facilitating increased power consumption at the local level, east-west power supply, and power export to India.

The transmission line, consisting of 236 towers, is poised to significantly enhance the internal power distribution and trans-border transmission system in the country.

Its completion has already led to improved credibility of the integrated power system and increased power voltage in Nawalparasi and Rupandehi districts.

Furthermore, the new transmission line will enable the integration of power generated in the districts of Mustang and Myagdi into the national grid, utilizing the same transmission line.

 The entire project, completed with an investment of Rs 11 billion, saw contributions from the government, NEA, and the South Asia Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation of the Asian Development Bank. Plans are afoot for expanding the power transmission grid from the New Butwal Substation to Bardaghat.

Additionally, another 220 KV power supply line is set to be established from Hetauda to New Butwal, further enhancing the country's power infrastructure and ensuring a more resilient and reliable power supply network. (RSS)