Reconstruction of Kabeli Corridor transmission line accelerates, aims to be operational before tihar

ILAM: Reconstruction efforts for the Kabeli Corridor 132 kV double-circuit transmission line, damaged by floods from the Mai River, are in full swing. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), along with 20 private sector hydropower projects connected to the transmission line, are working jointly to complete the restoration before Tihar.

The NEA has supplied materials for the reconstruction, while private hydropower companies are bearing the labor and operational costs. Each project has contributed a specific amount towards the effort, demonstrating a collaborative model between the NEA and the private sector. A team led by energy entrepreneur Mohan Karki is overseeing the private sector’s contribution to the reconstruction.

The damage occurred on October 12, 2024, when floods from the Mai River destroyed four towers of the transmission line in Dhodrebensi, Ilam, specifically in wards 1 and 7 of Mai Municipality. This disruption halted electricity production from 20 hydropower projects operating in Taplejung, Panchthar, and Ilam, which together generate approximately 200 MW. The suspension of electricity generation since October 12 has caused significant revenue losses for the private sector and disrupted power exports to India.

The flood had damaged towers 50, 51, 52, and 53 along the segment of the Kabeli Corridor from Godak in Ilam to Damak in Jhapa. The flood completely destroyed towers 51 and 52, while towers 50 and 53 suffered partial damage. Repair work on towers 50 and 53 has already been completed, and foundation work for the two completely damaged towers is underway, with all required materials delivered to the site.

Commitment from NEA Leadership:

NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising, who visited the reconstruction site on Friday, committed to providing all necessary support to ensure the project is completed on time. “The closure of the Kabeli Corridor transmission line has not only affected the national power grid’s reliability but also resulted in significant revenue losses for private sector hydropower projects. Furthermore, electricity exports to India have been impacted,” Ghising remarked. “It is crucial that we expedite the reconstruction and bring the transmission line back into operation as soon as possible.”

Private Sector Pushes for Timely Completion:

Mohan Karki, who leads the private sector reconstruction team, expressed confidence that the transmission line would be operational before Tihar. “We are working diligently to complete all tasks and resume power transmission by the festive season,” Karki stated.

Local authorities are also lending their support to the reconstruction efforts. Ram Bahadur Rai, Ward Chair of Mai Municipality Ward No. 1, emphasized the economic damage caused by the disruption of the transmission line and assured full cooperation from the local government to expedite the project.

With efforts well underway, the Kabeli Corridor transmission line is expected to resume operations shortly, restoring power to the affected hydropower plants and resuming electricity exports to India, ensuring a much-needed boost to Nepal’s energy sector.