Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The Kohalpur–Surkhet section of the Kohalpur–Surkhet–Dailekh 132 kV transmission line has officially come into operation, marking a major milestone in strengthening electricity infrastructure in Karnali Province. The line was energized on Sunday by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Hitendra Dev Shakya.
With the charging of the line, Karnali has, for the first time, been connected through a 132 kV high-voltage transmission network, significantly improving the region’s capacity to receive and utilize quality electricity supply.
Speaking after the commissioning, Shakya said the project’s operation has created the foundation for reliable and quality power consumption in Karnali. He expressed confidence that the improved transmission infrastructure would encourage the establishment of large-scale industries in the province, noting that industrial consumers are expected to become major electricity users in the region.
Part of Larger Transmission Corridor
The operational segment is part of the broader Kohalpur–Surkhet–Dailekh 132 kV Transmission Line Project. The newly energized Kohalpur–Surkhet section is expected to ease longstanding power system constraints in the area.
According to the NEA, the line will help mitigate problems such as; Overloading of existing lines, Frequent power outages and Low-voltage supply issues.
The project is also seen as strategically important for integrating electricity generated in the region into NEA’s national transmission grid, enhancing overall grid stability and regional energy exchange.
Substation and System Modernization
Shakya informed that once all feeders are supplied from Surkhet’s automated substation, the formal inauguration will be scheduled at an appropriate time after the elections.
Project Chief Ravi Kumar Chaudhary said the project was completed after overcoming multiple implementation hurdles, including land acquisition challenges, forest clearance issues, and disputes with local landowners.
He stated that a substation built at a cost of approximately Rs 750 million is now ready, while the transmission line, constructed at a cost of around Rs 650 million, has entered operation following successful testing.
Economic and Regional Impact
Energy officials believe the project will play a crucial role in the economic transformation of Karnali Province, one of Nepal’s least industrialized regions. Reliable high-voltage transmission infrastructure is considered a prerequisite for attracting manufacturing, processing industries, and large commercial investments.
The NEA expects that stable power supply will not only improve household electricity quality but also support industrial expansion, job creation, and regional economic activity, while strengthening Nepal’s overall national grid network.
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