MCA-Nepal completes construction of 18 km cross-border transmission line

Kathmandu: The Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal), under the MCC Nepal Compact, has completed the construction of an 18-kilometer section of the cross-border transmission line connecting the 400 kV New Butwal Substation to the Nepal-India border.

According to the MCA-Nepal Development Committee, the completion of this work marks a significant achievement in Nepal’s efforts to strengthen the power grid and expand the cross-border power grid. As requested by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, MCA-Nepal had expedited the construction of this 18-kilometer section of the power transmission line and completed the work within the stipulated time frame.

Ghanshyam Upadhyay, chairperson of the MCA-Nepal Development Committee, underlined the significance of this achievement and expressed his gratitude for the partnership between Nepal, the United States, and MCC.

"The completion of this transmission line is a significant achievement in strengthening Nepal’s electricity infrastructure and expanding its cross-border energy network. We are proud of this achievement and look forward to the benefits that this partnership will bring to Nepal’s development,” said Upadhyay, speaking at a program organized on Sunday at the New Butwal Substation in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) district to mark the completion of the transmission line

Sunil Poudel, joint secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, said that the completion of this construction reflects the progress that Nepal is making in strengthening its electricity infrastructure and expanding cross-border electricity connectivity.

“Nepal is continuously strengthening its power generation and transmission capacity and in this context, cross-border electricity connectivity is an integral part of this effort. The completion of the Nepalese section of this transmission line has made it clear what can be achieved through strong coordination between the government, implementing agencies, development partners and local communities. The efforts made by MCA-Nepal to complete this work as per the set schedule are commendable and we look forward to the next steps to bring into operation this infrastructure,” Poudel said.

Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, acting executive director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), said the construction of this transmission line is a significant achievement for Nepal’s energy sector. "With this achievement, we have taken a step forward in realizing the greater benefits that can be derived from a strong power network between Nepal and India,” said Shrestha.

MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bista said they will be taking forward to complete the remaining work towards finally powering this line and strengthening the electricity network and energy cooperation between Nepal and India and the wider region.

Concluding the program, MCC Resident National Mission Director Diane Francisco expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the successful completion of the Nepal-bound section of the transmission line. "This achievement is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.”

With the completion of the 18 km transmission line section on the Nepal side, the construction work required by MCA-Nepal under the cross-border transmission line has been completed. Now, before the transmission line is commissioned and put into operation, the remaining work including obtaining necessary permits and approvals to conduct electricity across the Nepal-India border will be taken forward.

This 18 km section is a part of MCA-Nepal’s power transmission project. Under this project, work is being done to construct a 315 km long high-voltage transmission line and three substations, as well as providing technical assistance to the Electricity Regulatory Commission and NEA. The project aims to improve the availability and reliability of electricity in Nepal, as well as strengthen the transmission network necessary to support energy security, future power generation, and cross-border electricity trade.