KATHMANDU, Sept 13: The Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has completed construction of an 18-kilometer section of the cross-border transmission line connecting the 400 kV New Butwal Substation to the Nepal-India border.
According to the MCA-Nepal Development Committee, the completion of the Nepal-side section under the MCC Nepal Compact marks a significant milestone in strengthening Nepal’s power grid and expanding cross-border electricity connectivity.
At the request of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, MCA-Nepal expedited construction of the 18-kilometer section and completed it within the stipulated timeframe.
Ghanshyam Upadhyay, chairperson of the MCA-Nepal Development Committee, highlighted the importance of the achievement and thanked the governments of Nepal and the United States, along with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), for their partnership.
Food crisis looms large as drought hits Madhesh districts
“The completion of this transmission line is a significant achievement in strengthening Nepal’s electricity infrastructure and expanding its cross-border energy network,” Upadhyay said at a program held Sunday at the New Butwal Substation in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West).
Sunil Poudel, joint secretary at the Ministry of Energy, said the completion reflects Nepal’s progress in strengthening its electricity infrastructure and cross-border connectivity.
“Cross-border electricity connectivity is an integral part of strengthening Nepal’s power generation and transmission capacity,” Poudel said, praising MCA-Nepal’s efforts to complete the work on schedule.
Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, acting executive director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), described the project as a significant achievement for Nepal’s energy sector. He said the completion would help Nepal realize greater benefits from a stronger power network between Nepal and India.
MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bista said the agency would now focus on completing the remaining work required to power the transmission line and further strengthen electricity cooperation between Nepal, India and the wider region.
MCC Resident National Mission Director Diane Francisco thanked all those involved in completing the Nepal-bound section, calling the achievement an example of what can be accomplished through collaboration.
With construction of the 18-kilometer Nepal-side section complete, MCA-Nepal has finished its construction obligations for the cross-border transmission line. However, the line can be commissioned only after the remaining permits and regulatory approvals required for cross-border electricity transmission are secured.
The 18-kilometer section is part of MCA-Nepal’s broader power transmission project, which includes construction of a 315-kilometer high-voltage transmission line and three substations, along with technical assistance to the Electricity Regulatory Commission and NEA. The project aims to improve electricity availability and reliability, strengthen Nepal’s transmission network, enhance energy security, and facilitate future power generation and cross-border electricity trade.
