KATHMANDU, Oct 4: The Hetauda-Dhalkebar 400 kV transmission line, which has remained stalled for 12 years, is expected to come into operation immediately after Dashain, according to Nepal Electricity Authority officials.
Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha inspected the Hetauda-Dhalkebar 400 kV substation and received updates on the progress of two multi circuit towers under construction along the transmission line.
During the inspection, Minister Shrestha directed officials to complete the towers on time, describing the transmission line as a backbone of Nepal’s power system.
The minister had initiated the process to resume work on the transmission line after the project remained stalled for around 12 years.
NEA Managing Director Dirghayukumar Shrestha said the project had reached its final stage following the minister’s initiative.
Of the 16 towers along the Hetauda-Dhalkebar section, 14 double-circuit towers have already been completed, while construction of the remaining two mult circuit towers is in its final stage.
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“Fourteen towers are ready. Progress on the remaining two is good. We will complete them within 10 to 15 days and charge the line. We consider this a backbone [of the power system], which will significantly improve supply reliability. If we can increase consumption, we can also increase exports. We are preparing to charge it immediately after Dashain,” Executive Director Shrestha said.
Minister Shrestha said the Hetauda-Dhalkebar transmission line is a key part of Nepal’s power backbone.
He said work on the 16 towers had remained stalled for 12 years despite billions of rupees being spent on the project. The completion of the remaining towers will help create a major electricity corridor connecting different parts of the country, he said.
“The two towers here were a concern. With the active efforts of all the teams, the project has reached the stage of completion,” he said.
Minister Shrestha said completing the transmission line would make Nepal’s power system more balanced and reliable.
He said the line currently carries around 300 MW toward Dhalkebar, but its completion would increase the transmission capacity to 2,000 MW.
“This is not a minor achievement. Once this transmission line is charged, we believe Nepal’s power system will become much more balanced and reliable,” he said.
Minister Shrestha said completion of the Hetauda-Dhalkebar section would further strengthen the east-west flow of electricity and make the system more reliable and sustainable.
According to him, the project will strengthen domestic power supply, help meet rising industrial demand, increase cross-border electricity trade and reduce the risk of surplus electricity going to waste during the monsoon season.
He also expressed confidence that the project would further improve the reliability of the national grid and expand Nepal’s potential for electricity trade.
