KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 26 The development of the New Butwal Substation and an 18-kilometre transmission line was inaugurated today in Sunawal Municipality-13, in a ceremony attended by Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal and U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson. Minister Khanal stated that the construction of the substation and transmission line would directly contribute to sustainable economic development. 'This project reflects the government's commitment to expanding access to clean energy, promoting regional energy trade, and achieving national goals for sustainable economic growth. We will leverage the cooperation of MCC and MCA Nepal to transform the agreement for our national interests,' he said. U.S. Ambassador Thompson added that the project has reached this stage due to the persistent efforts of the past two years. 'This initiative will contribute to Nepal's economic growth and bolster trade,' he noted. The transmission line and substation are expected to ensure uninterrupted power supply to households and businesses, while creating additional employment opportunities across the country, the Ambassador added. Chief of the District Coordination Committee, Bhagawati Prasad Yadav, emphasized that the project should be advanced through partnerships with all stakeholders, including local community members. Developed under the MCC Nepal Compact, the project is anticipated to strengthen energy trade relations between Nepal and India, while enhancing energy connectivity within Nepal. The transmission line will link the 400 KV New Butwal Substation to the Nepal–India border. The project is estimated to cost USD 50 million.