Kathmandu, Aug 22: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the incumbent government is on the path of creating a self-sufficient economy from power generation.

Inaugurating the Bharatpur 220/132 kV substation and Hetauda-Bharatpur-Bardaghat 220 kV double circuit transmission line on Tuesday, Prime Minister Dahal clarified that the government has encouraged private investors in power generation.

He mentioned that priority has been given to power trade by expanding trans-country transmission line. "The agreement signed with the Indian government for power purchase during my recent India visit is a positive initiation for the same."

Stating that the door has now opened for power trade with Bangladesh, the prime minister viewed that discussion would be held regarding possibilities of power trade during his upcoming China visit.

He further clarified that the government has laid emphasis to uplift the living standard of the people by consuming as much electricity as possible in the country.

PM Dahal pointed out the need of adopting a policy for production, transmission and distribution of electricity for the development of the energy sector, adding power production has increased in the country.

The Bharatpur 220/132 kV substation was constructed with the investment of the Government of Nepal and concessional loan from the European Investment Bank while the Hetauda-Bharatpur-Bardaghat 220 kV transmission line was constructed with the investment of the Government of Nepal and concessional loan from the World Bank.

The contract for the substation construction project was signed in 2077 BS and it completed last month. The total cost of the substation project amounted to Rs 1.52 billion.

The 220 kV transmission line, spanning approximately 147 kilometers, stretches from Hetauda in Makwanpur to Bardaghat in Nawalparasi (East of Susta). The overall cost of the project is Rs 7.94 billion.

The project was implemented by dividing it into two sections: Hetauda-Bharatpur and Bharatpur-Bardghat.

One of the circuits within the double-circuit transmission line that extends from the old Hetauda substation at Chaukitole in Hetauda sub-metropolis, Makwanpur, to the new Bharatpur substation in Chitwan, has been charged at 132 kV. Initially, it was operated in a partial capacity of 132 kV.

The project is viewed significantly in terms of facilitating the distribution of power generated in the eastern parts to the western parts of the country. It was developed under the investment of the Government of Nepal and Nepal Electricity Authority, along with loans from the World Bank.

 
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