KATHMANDU, Jan 29: The construction of the Kohalpur–Surkhet 132 kV transmission line has been completed after a delay of more than six and a half years, with testing scheduled to begin from Friday.
Built under the Kohalpur–Surkhet–Dailekh 132 kV transmission line project, the line stretches from the Kohalpur substation in Banke to the Surkhet substation at Subbakuna. The project was jointly financed by the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Electricity Authority.
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Construction work began on Ashar 22, 2076 BS, with an estimated cost of Rs 650 million and an initial completion target of two years. However, the project was completed around four and a half years behind schedule.
According to the Nepal Electricity Authority, electricity will be transmitted at 132 kilovolts through the double-circuit transmission line during the testing phase starting Friday. The line will be brought into regular operation after successful testing.
Once operational, the new transmission line is expected to significantly improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply in Karnali Province. Industries in Surkhet, which have long faced problems due to low-voltage and unstable power supply, are expected to benefit from improved voltage levels.
At present, Surkhet receives electricity through a 33 kV transmission line that has been in operation since 2045 BS. The limited capacity of this older line has caused frequent voltage fluctuations and power tripping. Authorities expect these issues to be resolved after the 132 kV transmission line comes into operation, enabling more stable power supply and supporting industrial growth in the region.
