400kV Transmission Line Construction Resumes After Local Dispute Resolution

Kathmandu. The construction of the 'Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Duhabi 400kV Transmission Line', which had been halted due to local dissatisfaction for a long time, has resumed. The construction of the transmission line has started following the government's initiative. The project, which was obstructed for a long time due to compensation and land disputes, has been actively moving forward again following the initiative of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. Nepal Electricity Authority has also informed that the construction of the transmission line towers has progressed as landowners have accepted compensation after continuous discussions and coordination by Minister Shrestha with affected locals, people's representatives, and stakeholders. The construction of towers in the Hetiuda area, out of the total 288 km long project, had been affecting the project for years. The 154 km long Dhalkebar-Inaruwa section, which is the eastern part of the project, has been operational for three years. However, the 134 km long Hetauda-Dhalkebar section had been delayed due to compensation disputes. The authority has completed the construction of three out of the fourteen towers to be constructed in the Hetauda area. It has been informed that the erection work of two more is ongoing. It has also been informed that the foundation construction of all towers has been completed and the work on the remaining structures is in the final stage. The acting executive director of the authority, Dirghayukumar Shrestha, informed that the process of compensation and damages distribution is being carried forward in parallel with the tower construction. He expressed commitment to provide appropriate compensation to the affected as per the law and stated that compensation will be distributed to all identified individuals at once as soon as the stringing work begins. According to Shrestha, if the transmission line does not come into operation within the current financial year, there is a risk of about 800 megawatts of electricity produced during the rainy season being wasted due to inability to flow, which could cause significant economic loss to the nation. The authority aims to complete the construction of the remaining two towers as soon as the remaining approvals for forest area tree cutting and land use are obtained. Upon completion of the project, it is expected to further strengthen the country's internal electricity supply, increase the reliability of the national grid, and contribute significantly to the expansion of electricity trade with neighboring countries. Despite repeated attempts to construct the transmission line, the problem could not be resolved. With the latest initiative, it is now believed that the transmission line construction will be completed.