New Butwal–Bardaghat 220 kV transmission line completed and operational

KATHMANDU: The construction of the New Butwal–Bardaghat 220 kV double circuit transmission line has been completed and brought into operation. This initiative aims to strengthen Nepal’s domestic electricity transmission system, facilitate the flow of power from hydropower projects in the western region, and enhance bilateral and regional electricity trade between Nepal and India.

The transmission line spans approximately 21.5 kilometers, from New Butwal Substation in Sunwal Municipality-13, Suryabasti, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) to Bardaghat Municipality-5 in the same district. The line was completed and energized on Thursday. Additionally, the 220 kV transmission line from New Bharatpur Substation in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-11, Chitwan, to New Butwal Substation has also been charged.

With the operation of the New Butwal–Bardaghat transmission line, the infrastructure for the 220 kV transmission line from New Butwal to Hetauda is now in place, capable of handling a load of approximately 1,200 MW. This line links the hydropower projects along the Kaligandaki and its tributaries with the national grid. It connects the Kaligandaki Corridor, originating from Dana in Myagdi and terminating at New Butwal Substation, with the New Butwal–New Bharatpur–Hetauda 220 kV transmission line.

Kulman Ghising, Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), stated that the 220 kV transmission backbone from Bharatpur would facilitate east-west power flow, improve voltage levels, and enhance the reliability of the overall system.

“The line will enable easier export of surplus electricity to India via Dhalkebar during monsoon and the import of electricity during the winter to supply the western region. Once the New Butwal–Gorakhpur second cross-border transmission line is completed, it will further expand opportunities for electricity trade,” said Ghising. “It will primarily benefit electricity flow from projects on the Kaligandaki, Marsyangdi, and their tributaries.”

Power generated from hydropower projects in the Marsyangdi basin will be integrated into the national grid through the Marsyangdi Corridor 220 kV transmission line and connected to the New Bharatpur Substation. From New Bharatpur, electricity can be transmitted to Hetauda and New Butwal. Furthermore, the New Butwal–Gorakhpur 400 kV second cross-border transmission line is under construction.

The New Butwal–Bardaghat transmission line was built with funding from the Government of Nepal, NEA, and a concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The estimated cost of the project is approximately NPR 1 billion. A 4.5-kilometer four-circuit (multi-circuit) 220 kV line has also been constructed from Badera in Sunwal Municipality-13 to New Butwal Substation. The Kaligandaki Corridor 220 kV transmission line is integrated into the same multi-circuit tower.

The project was launched to promote internal electricity consumption, bilateral and regional electricity trade, and strengthen the domestic transmission and distribution system.

Project Chief Bishwo Ranjan Mishra noted that the construction faced delays due to lengthy processes for forest land use and tree-cutting approvals, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for environmental impact assessments in the Chure region.

The contract for the construction of the transmission line was signed with Power China SEPCO1 in January 2020 (Poush 2076 BS) and came into effect in July 2020 (Ashar 2077 BS).