Government reports progress in power transmission, irrigation in first six months

KATHMANDU: The government has reported progress in power transmission infrastructure, irrigation expansion, hydropower development and clean energy during the first six months of its formation, according to information made public by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The government has expanded irrigation facilities to an additional 3,345 hectares of land through five major irrigation projects: Babai (600 hectares), Sikta (1,300 hectares), Badkapath (610 hectares), Rani Jamara Kulariya (150 hectares) and Mahakali (1,155 hectares).

In the power sector, Nepal and India have agreed to increase cross-border electricity flow capacity through the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur and Dhalkebar-Sitamarhi 400 kV transmission lines. The capacity for electricity imports will rise from 1,000 megawatts (MW) to 1,400 MW, while the export capacity will increase from 1,100 MW to 1,650 MW.

The government has also advanced several transmission infrastructure projects to expand domestic electricity distribution and cross-border trade. The Markichowk-Bharatpur 220 kV transmission line under the Marsyangdi Corridor has come into operation, while construction of the Chobhar 132/11 kV substation in Kathmandu has been completed.