The government has partnered with the private sector to build electricity transmission lines. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation and private companies signed an agreement on Tuesday to initiate this collaboration.

Previously, transmission line projects were solely constructed by the state-owned Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The agreement follows new policy arrangements enabling private sector involvement in the development of transmission infrastructure.

Netra Prasad Gyawali, CEO of the National Transmission Grid Company, and representatives of private companies including Simbuwa Remit Hydro Limited, Remit Hydro Limited, Crystal Power Development Pvt Ltd, Union Hydropower Limited, and Nepal Hydro Venture Pvt Ltd signed the agreement to this effect.

Energy Minister Deepak Khadka said that the partnership is a significant step toward achieving the government’s goal of generating 28,500 megawatts of electricity by 2035. He highlighted the role of the private sector in fostering economic growth and advancing the energy sector.

The National Transmission Grid will spearhead the construction of the transmission lines under a public-private investment model, aiming to drive economic development and improve the country’s energy infrastructure.