Nepal Electricity Authority Launches Kohalpur-Surkhet 132kV Transmission Line, Ending Power Woes in Karnali Province

Surkhet. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has commissioned the much-anticipated Kohalpur-Surkhet 132kV transmission line in Karnali Province. The transmission line was charged at midnight on Magh 18, just about three weeks after NEA Executive Director Hitenra Dev Shakya directed officials to expedite the work and avoid delays.

Shakya had visited Surkhet in the third week of Poush and instructed the contractor company and project chief to complete the work immediately. Following his directive, the contractor accelerated the pace, enabling Karnali to receive its first high-quality 132kV capacity electricity on schedule. Upon the transmission line becoming operational, Shakya returned to Surkhet and stated that with this success, consumers in Karnali will now be able to enjoy quality electricity, resolving the long-standing power supply issues.

Previously, when electricity was supplied only through the 33kV transmission line, Karnali frequently experienced line trips, overloading, and dim lighting due to 'low-voltage' issues. With the 132kV line now operational, these problems are expected to be resolved, and a pathway has been opened to send electricity generated in Karnali to the national transmission grid. Shakya mentioned that the supply of quality energy has created an environment for large industries to open in Karnali. Stating that industry is the key to the economy and energy is the key to industry, he expressed confidence that the door to Karnali's economic development will now open.

Recalling his involvement with this project and Karnali's electricity development since 2010 (2067 BS), Shakya shared plans to extend the transmission line up to Dailekh within the next year. Furthermore, he has directed his subordinates to construct an electric vehicle (EV) charging station on the NEA's land located near the Surkhet substation, adjacent to the highway.

According to Project Chief Rabin Kumar Chaudhary, the work on the approximately 52-kilometer Kohalpur-Surkhet section was completed by overcoming challenges related to land acquisition, forest clearance, and local obstructions. The project, which cost approximately 75 crore for the substation and 65 crore for the transmission line, is expected to contribute significantly to the overall development of Karnali.

The NEA has announced that the formal inauguration of the project will take place at an appropriate time, after arrangements are made for all feeders in Surkhet to be supplied from this substation.