The construction of the New Butwal–Bardaghat 220 kV double-circuit transmission line has been completed and is now operational. This project aims to strengthen and enhance the reliability of Nepal’s internal electricity transmission system, facilitate the flow of electricity from hydropower projects in the western region, and expand bilateral and regional electricity trade between Nepal and India.

The construction of the 21.5-kilometer-long transmission line from the New Butwal substation in Suryabasti, Sunwal Municipality-13, to Bardaghat Municipality-5 in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) has been completed and brought into operation (charged) as of Thursday. The 220 kV transmission line from the New Bharatpur substation in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-11, Chitwan, to New Butwal has also been charged.

With the operation of the New Butwal–Bardaghat transmission line, the 220 kV transmission infrastructure from New Butwal to Hetauda is now ready. The transmission line can carry an electricity load of approximately 1,200 MW.

The Kaligandaki Corridor, which begins in Dana, Myagdi, and ends at the New Butwal substation, has been established to integrate electricity generated from hydropower projects on the Kaligandaki River and its tributaries into the national grid. This corridor is now linked with the 220 kV transmission line stretching from New Butwal to New Bharatpur and Hetauda.

Kulman Ghising, Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, stated that a 220 kV backbone has been prepared from Bharatpur for east-west electricity flow. This will improve voltage levels and enhance the overall reliability of the system.

“By utilizing electricity for domestic consumption and exporting surplus power to India via Dhalkebar during the monsoon, and importing electricity during the winter to meet shortages and supplying it to the western region, the process will become more efficient. Once the construction of the second cross-border transmission line between New Butwal and Gorakhpur is completed, it will open additional avenues for electricity import/export,” stated Managing Director Kulman Ghising. “Primarily, it will facilitate the flow of electricity generated from the Kaligandaki and Marsyangdi rivers, as well as their tributaries,” he added.

The electricity generated from hydropower projects in the Marsyangdi River basin will be integrated into the New Bharatpur substation via the Marsyangdi Corridor 220 kV transmission line. From New Bharatpur, the electricity can be transmitted to Hetauda and New Butwal. Additionally, the construction of the New Butwal–Gorakhpur 400 kV second cross-border transmission line with India is currently underway.

The New Butwal–Bardaghat transmission line, constructed with funding from the Government of Nepal, the Nepal Electricity Authority, and concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank, has an estimated cost of approximately NPR 1 billion. A 4.5-kilometer, 220 kV four-circuit (multi-circuit) line has been constructed from Badera in Sunwal Municipality-13 to the New Butwal substation. The same multi-circuit tower also connects the 220 kV Kaligandaki Corridor transmission line.

The project was initiated to expand and strengthen the internal transmission and distribution system to support domestic electricity consumption and promote bilateral and regional electricity trade.

Project Chief Bishwaranjan Mishra noted that the construction of the transmission line faced delays due to the lengthy process required for approval to use forest land and cut trees, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to conduct an environmental impact assessment as the line passes through the Chure region.

A contract for the construction of the transmission line was signed with Power China SEPCO1 in December 2020. The agreement was implemented in June 2020.