Chilime-Trishuli transmission line construction accelerates with December deadline

KATHMANDU: The Chilime-Trishuli 220 kV transmission line and substation project now has a fixed deadline for completion within the next month. This project is essential for transmitting electricity to the national system from hydropower projects along the Trishuli River and its tributaries.

Within this project, the construction of the 220/132/33 KV Chilime Hav and Trishuli 3B hub substations is underway in Thambuchet, Amachodingmo Rural Municipality of Rasuwa, and Pahrebensi, Kispang Rural Municipality of Nuwakot. Additionally, a 28 km 220 KV double circuit transmission line is being built for Chilime-Trishuli 3B hub.

A high-level team, led by Executive Director Kulman Ghising of the Nepal Electricity Authority and Deputy Executive Director Dilghayukumar Shrestha of Broadcasting Directorate, conducted on-site inspections over the weekend.

They set a deadline for the project’s completion by the end of December. Following discussions with project management, consultants, and the contractor, the team emphasized the need to expedite construction by increasing the workforce and established a schedule for the remaining tasks, instructing all parties to adhere to it. Regular monitoring of construction progress will continue.

Executive Director Ghising stressed the importance of completing the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi and 42.5 MW Sanjen hydroelectric projects, led by the Chilime Hydropower Company, due to the limited transmission lines available. Both projects are in their final stages, with the aim of generating electricity by the end of December.

He emphasized that the power generated by these projects will be crucial to meeting this year’s winter electricity demand. Delays in transmission line construction could lead to significant losses for the state.

Ghising urged all parties to remain diligent and attentive to the project’s challenges, which include building towers in challenging, roadless, mountainous terrain, logistics issues, contractor performance, land use problems in forested areas, and the impact of COVID-19 on construction progress.

The project faces difficulties such as materials transportation by people or carts and the effects of floods, all of which have contributed to delays. Efforts to facilitate cash flow for the contractor and resolve social issues will continue as the project moves forward.