The installation of monopoles along the Yogikuti Chowk to Horizon Chowk section of Kalikapath Road in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-11 is progressing rapidly.

According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the existing four-legged transmission towers of the 132 kV double-circuit transmission line from Butwal to Motipur are being replaced with monopoles (single-leg structures) along this road section.

The foundation work for the monopoles is currently underway, replacing four towers positioned along the approximately one-kilometer stretch.

NEA officials have stated that the foundation work will be completed within 15 days.

The monopoles have already been supplied to the site, with two measuring 30 meters and two measuring 32 meters set to be installed.

For the installation process, the transmission line will be shut down for approximately 15 days. The existing towers will be removed, and new conductors will be used.

NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising inspected the construction site and instructed the Butwal Grid Division to complete the monopole installation before the onset of summer.

As electricity demand rises in Butwal during summer, shutting down the transmission line later could pose challenges.

The decision to install monopoles along this stretch stems from safety concerns, as the current gap between the road and transmission lines is less than six meters.

Large vehicles passing under the lines are at risk of electrical contact. After the monopole installation, the gap will increase to about nine meters, enhancing safety.

Moreover, the existing towers in the middle of the road have narrowed the stretch. The base diameter of the current towers is about eight meters, whereas the monopoles will have a base diameter of only about 2.5 meters.

This change will help widen the road and improve traffic flow. Additionally, reducing the right-of-way of the transmission line will enhance safety for houses along the roadside.

The monopole project was awarded under a contract worth Rs 36.5 million.

NEA aims to complete the entire installation by the end of Jestha.