The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has moved forward with plans to construct a new 400 kV Butwal–Lamahi transmission line, a major infrastructure project aimed at strengthening east–west power flow and evacuating electricity generated from hydropower projects along the Gandaki Corridor.

The proposed transmission line will span 161 kilometers and pass through several districts of Lumbini Province, including Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, Palpa, Kapilvastu, Arghakhanchi, and Dang. According to the NEA, the project is strategically important for balancing power transmission across regions and enhancing the reliability of the national grid.

As part of the project preparation process, the NEA has issued a public notice seeking suggestions and feedback from stakeholders and local communities for the preparation of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report in the project-affected areas.

Right of Way and Infrastructure Details

The 400 kV transmission line will have a 46-meter right of way, extending 23 meters on each side from the center of the transmission line. The project will involve the construction of 405 transmission towers along the route.

In addition, a major 400/220/132/33/11 kV substation will be built at Rihar in Ward No. 9 of Lamahi Municipality, Dang, to facilitate efficient power transmission and distribution in the region.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

The NEA stated that the environmental study will assess potential impacts of the project on the natural physical environment, biological systems, social and cultural aspects, and the local economy. The authority emphasized that identifying and mitigating possible adverse impacts is a key objective of the IEE process.

Local residents, institutions, and concerned stakeholders have been urged to provide information, opinions, and suggestions regarding the potential impacts of the project. Feedback related to the environmental proposal can be submitted to the NEA’s central office at Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, as well as to the project consultant, NEA Engineering Company Limited, Lalitpur.

The Butwal–Lamahi transmission line is expected to play a critical role in improving Nepal’s internal power transmission capacity, supporting large-scale hydropower integration, and reducing regional bottlenecks in electricity flow as generation capacity continues to expand.