KATHMANDU, Jan 19: Khimti-Dhalkebar Transmission Line began commercial electricity transmission from Monday evening.
Construction of the 220 kV transmission line was started in 2003. It was scheduled to be completed in 2009. The completion of the transmission line project is important for system stabilization of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), as it supplies electricity from the Koshi River basin to Tarai as well as links Kathmandu with the Indian energy market.
“Though the project has been delayed by many years, it will be a milestone in stable electricity transmission,” Prabal Adhikari, spokesperson of Nepal Electricity Authority, said.
“This connection has improved the quality of electricity in Birgunj as the energy from Khimti of Dolakha has now been directly connected to Tarai,” added Adhikari.
The transmission line traverses 73 kilometers of rugged hills terrains and Tarai plains. It also enables NEA to import additional energy from India if need be. It will be a key component to supply electricity of Upper Tamakoshi Hydropwer Project which is expected to start generation by July next year.