KATHMANDU, JULY 26

The plan involves constructing a ring of transmission lines connecting five substations for reliable, high-quality electricity supply, ensuring the region's sustainable development.

The core of this development is the construction of a new double circuit transmission line, Sunwal-Hakui 132 kV, aimed at addressing the escalating electricity demand in the Bhairahawa Industrial Corridor of Parasi and Rupandehi. This upgraded infrastructure will increase transmission capacity, reduce technical leakages and provide reliable and stable power supply required for industrial expansion in the area.

To date, the operational Gandak-Parasi 33 kV double circuit and Butwal-Jamire (Sunwal) 33 kV single circuit transmission lines have been supplying electricity to local industries.

Now, one of the three additional feeders of the 33 kV double circuit line, currently under construction for the Sunwal substation, has come into operation.

Managing Director of NEA Kulman Ghising inaugurated the feeder of double circuit line, which is a crucial milestone in the project.

With this new line coming into operation, sufficient infrastructure has been established to provide a stable and high-quality electricity supply to both the industries and residents of the region. In light of this achievement, Ghising urged speedy completion of the construction of the remaining two feeders of the 33 kV double circuit, which will further strengthen the power distribution network.

Presently, large and small industries, including cement and steel plants, in the Parasi area consume approximately 75 megawatts of electricity. The demand is projected to increase to 150 megawatts, considering the capacity expansion of existing industries and the opening of new ones. Additionally, the overall electricity consumption in the region, including Bhairahawa in the Rupandehi districts, is expected to reach 300 megawatts.

Ghising informed that to bolster the electricity supply further, plans are in place for hydropower projects along the Kaligandaki and its tributaries that will channel electricity to the new Butwal substation at Sunwal Municipality-13 Bhumi in Nawalparasi through the Kaligandaki Corridor 200 kV transmission line, which is targeted to be operational by mid-August.

Electricity will also be supplied to the new Butwal substation through the Hetauda-Bharatpur-Bardghat and Bardghat-New Butwal 220 kV transmission lines, transforming the new Butwal substation into a prominent electricity hub for the region and enabling electricity trade between Nepal and India.

To overcome existing limitations due to the capacity constraints of East-West 132 kV transmission line, the construction of Hetauda-Bharatpur-Bardghat and Bardghat- New Butwal 220 kV transmission lines is underway.

A version of this article appears in the print on July 27, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.