KATHMANDU, June 18: An 82 km long transmission line connecting Tanahu to Kathmandu has come online from Friday. The transmission line will be used to evacuate a larger amount of electricity produced by hydropower projects based in the Marsyangdi River.
According to Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), a double-circuit 132 kV transmission has been started from Markichok of Aanbu Khaireni Rural Municipality of Tanahu district to Matatirtha of Kathmandu. With the completion of charging of the transmission line, it can now be used to send 200 MW of electricity to Kathmandu.
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The existing 132 kV single-circuit electricity line is being used to transmit 100 MW of electricity from Marsyangdi to Syuchatar in the capital. According to NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising, the new transmission line will be the lifeline to the Kathmandu Valley for a smooth flow of electricity. “It can also be used as a two-way transmission line between Hetauda and Kathmandu when the supply through the Kulekhani hydro project is disrupted,” Ghising said.
Six years ago, NEA inked an agreement with Tata Project Limited, India, to construct the new transmission line. In the packaged project with an investment of USD 10.30 million, a number of substations with capacities of up to 320 MVA are under construction. According to the NEA, it will start using 220 KV transmissions after the completion of these substations.
