Kathmandu: The power supply problem faced by the industries of Parasi and Sunwal industrial areas of Nawalparasi district has been solved.

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has completed the construction of the Gandak-Parasi 33 kV double circuit and the Butwal-Jyamire (Sunwal) 33 kV single circuit transmission lines.

NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising said that the power supply problem of Parasi and Sunwal industrial areas would be solved as soon as both the transmission lines come into operation.

"The industries in the area were forced to take turns rotating for some time during the summer season due to insufficient power supply due to lack of transmission capacity. Now this situation has come to an end and the industries can get enough electricity as per their demand," said Ghising. “A 132/33 kV Sunwal substation is under construction to supply electricity to the industries operating in the Sunwal area. The construction of the substation will be completed by the month of April or May. After that, additional 90 MW of electricity can be provided to the industries and the supply will be reliable and of quality.”

After visiting the area a few months ago, Ghising had directed the NEA Regional Office, Butwal and Butwal Grid Division to expedite the construction of the Butwal-Jyamire transmission line targeting industries in the Sunwal area.

The construction of a 19-kilometer single circuit transmission line has been completed and brought into operation within two months, said Nabaraj Ojha, director of the NEA Regional Office, Butwal.

Big industrial units including Laxmi Steels, Palpa Cement and Sarbottam Cement are operating in the Sunwal area. They have demanded more electricity to increase their capacity, while other new industries are coming up in the area.

NEA has constructed a 27 km 33 kV double circuit transmission line from the 132/33 kV substation in Gandak to Parasi. "Electricity can now be supplied from three 33 kV circuits, including the old one and the two newly constructed at Gandak Parasi. Due to the shortage of electricity, the industries in the Parasi area will no longer have to run alternately," said Director Ojha. Electricity is supplied to the Gandak substation from Bardaghat along with a 132 kV transmission line from India if required.