The Dadakhet–Raughat 132 kV transmission line project, which was launched to connect the electricity generated from the hydropower projects in the Myagdi and Raughat basins to the central grid, has achieved 70 percent physical progress, with five months remaining before the expiry of the contract period.

The project, run by the Nepal Electricity Authority, has taken five years to complete 70 percent of the work, while the contractor is facing a challenge to complete the remaining 30 percent within the next five months, the project said. A contract agreement was signed with Larsen & Toubro Limited on December 31, 2021, for the construction of a 25-kilometer-long transmission line from Malika Rural Municipality-7, Dadakhet, to Ambang, Raghuganga Rural Municipality-3, Rahughat, and substations at both locations for Rs 3.57 billion.

The first deadline expired on July 16, 2025, and the second deadline expired on November 16, 2026, and the third deadline has been extended to May 16, 2026. Project Chief Roshan Agarwal informed that the construction period has been extended due to the lack of orders to cut trees in the forest area, the vulnerable geography of the Rahughat substation site, disaster risk, and community disputes at some tower sites.

Out of the foundations laid for 73 towers so far, 60 towers have been erected. Work has started on all towers except for five locations where trees need to be cut. Stringing of the transmission line has been completed over a three-kilometer stretch, and the equipment for the transmission line and substations has already been imported. Progress stands at 90 percent for the Dadakhet substation, 65 percent for the transmission line, and 60 percent for the Raughat substation.

L&T Project Manager Subash Chandra Sharma has expressed the commitment to complete the project within the stipulated deadline by deploying additional workers and equipment. At Dadakhet, a 133/33 kV, 30 MVA AIS (Air-Insulated Switchgear) substation is being installed, while at Raughat, the construction of a 220/132/33 kV, 200 MVA GIS (Gas-Insulated Switchgear) substation is progressing.

The project, with an estimated total cost of NPR 4.88 billion, includes NPR 105 million from the Nepal Electricity Authority and NPR 3.82 billion as loan investment from the Asian Development Bank. Approval to use 25.62 hectares of forest area for the transmission line’s ‘right of way’ and tower construction was granted by the Cabinet meeting on February 18, 2024. It has been reported that the felling of 3,936 trees at the project site is being delayed.

Four hydropower projects with a total capacity of 172.8 MW are under construction on the Myagdi River. Some of these projects have already started supplying electricity to the 220 kV Kaligandaki transmission line through temporary towers.

Jalasarokar