The 220 KVA line is crucial to supply energy from Koshi River basin to Tarai
KATHMANDU, Feb 2: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the Khimti-Dhalkebar Transmission Line amid a function organized in Khimti of Dolakha on Tuesday.

Speaking at the program, Dahal termed the project milestone in country's energy sector.

The 220 KVA-capacity project, which spans 74 kilometers, is crucial to supply electricity from the Koshi River basin to Tarai and also supply power imported from India to the Kathmandu valley, a statement issued by the energy ministry said.

Speaking at the program, Dahal said there was no need to stop power generation fearing lack of market. “We should not worry about market,” he added.

Stating that the world is now moving toward clean energy, he said that the country should exploit hydropower potentials. “The government will give equal priority to power generation and construction of transmission lines,” he said, promising all possible support to the Minister for Energy and the Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

Similarly, Minister for Energy Janardan Sharma said that his ministry was devising plan to start integrated transmission line projects. “This transmission line has connected the domestic market with the power grid of India,” he said.

Stating that this transmission line project took 10 years to complete, Sharma said there is a need to quicken project designing process and implement projects within the specified timeframe.

“The ministry is now only working to eradicate load-shedding, but also give a boost to industrial growth by generating adequate electricity,” he said.

Survey works of the transmission line project had started 17 years ago. Though construction started in 2007, the project was delayed mainly due to obstruction by locals in Sindhulimadhi Municipality for nearly five years. 

The transmission line, which started power transmission three weeks ago, can support transmission of 700 MW. It was built with an investment of Rs 1.95 billion. It has already improved electricity supply in Birgunj.

 
• pushpa kamal dahal
 
• khimti-dhalkebar transmission line