Monday, September 5, 2022

Minister inaugurates Butwal-Lumbini transmission line and substation

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal today inaugurated the 132 kV double circuit transmission line that has already been in operation.

As the election code of conduct is coming in effect, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has decided only yesterday to inaugurate the double circuit transmission line that runs from Yogikuti at Butwal to Mainahiya for reliable and quality power supply, increase transmission capacity and control technical leakage in Bhairahawa. The double circuit transmission line and the Mainahiya substation was constructed with the investment of the government and NEA.

“With the construction of transmission lines and substations, the infrastructure for supplying about 200 megawatts (MW) of electricity has been prepared in the Bhairahawa,” the NEA claimed, adding that the power supply in the Bhairahawa area has also improved.

The 132 kV double circuit transmission line is also being constructed from Manhia substation to Uttar Pradesh state of India. The construction of a transmission line connecting Mainhia substation with Asatiya (New Nautanuwa) substation in Uttar Pradesh, India is in the final stages. Currently, Uttar Pradesh has only 33 kV transmission infrastructure, after the construction of Manhiya-Samptiya, internal power trade between Nepal and India will be ease.

“We are working with the goal of building a self-sufficient economy by selling the surplus electricity,” she said, adding that Nepal will be electricity sufficient within two years, and is building infrastructures as well for quality and reliable electricity supply.  “Along with this, large hydropower projects like Budhi Gandaki will be built.”

On the occasion, managing director of NEA Kulman Ghising said that the power supply of Butwal-Bhairahawa area through the transmission line has improved. “The industries are also supplied with as much power,” he said.

The construction of the 18-km Butwal-Lumbini transmission line from the Butwal substation to the Mainahiya substation was started in the fiscal year 2014-15 but it took long time complete due to various reasons, informed project head Hari Pandey. “There was delay in the construction of the project due to diversion of route, Covid-19 pandemic, he said, adding that the estimated cost of the project is $9.5 million. “The 132/33/11 kV Mainahiya Substation was brought into operation and power was supplied to that area.”

On, the occasion, secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Sushil Chandra Tiwari expressed confidence that the power supply in the region will improve after the construction of transmission lines and substations.

For local power supply, 10 feeders of 33 KV will be removed from Mainhia substation. Out of these 4 feeders are operational and 2 capacitor banks are placed to rectify the power voltage. Some 57 towers have been constructed with 18 km transmission line.

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