MCC projects install 46 transmission towers under New Butwal Substation

KATHMANDU; A total of 46 transmission towers under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact have been installed along the New Butwal Substation and Nepal–India border transmission line section.

According to a public statement issued by Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Nepal, the progress was recorded as of Friday. The MCA Nepal plans to construct a total of 52 transmission towers along the 18-kilometre stretch of the cross-border transmission line.

MCA Nepal stated that conductor stringing—the installation of overhead power lines on transmission towers—has also been completed along six km of the installed section.

“Once commissioned, this cross-border transmission line will strengthen Nepal’s electricity network, improve the reliability of power supply, and support regional electricity trade, helping create a more connected and energy-secure future,” MCA Nepal said in its public notice.

The MCC Nepal Compact is a US$630 million programme jointly funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Government of Nepal. The MCC is providing a grant of US$500 million, while the Government of Nepal is contributing US$130 million.

The compact focuses on implementing two major projects: the Electricity Transmission Project (ETP) and the Road Maintenance Project. Under these initiatives, funds are being utilized to construct and upgrade power transmission lines, develop new substations, and rehabilitate key road networks across the country.

Major infrastructure works currently underway under the compact include the Butwal–Gorakhpur cross-border transmission line, the Damauli and Ratamate substations, and strategic road maintenance covering more than 130 km.