Construction of the 220 kV double-circuit Damauli–Bharatpur transmission line for the 140 MW Tanahu Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Tanahu, has gained momentum. The project said around 82 percent of the transmission line work has been completed so far.
Of the 94 towers along the 35-kilometer transmission line being constructed to connect electricity generated by the project, which is under construction in Rishing Rural Municipality–1, to the national grid, the foundations of 83 towers have been completed. Of these, 80 towers have already been erected, said Project Chief Shyamji Bhandari.
He said construction of the transmission line had accelerated after the Division Forest Offices of Chitwan and Tanahu granted permission to enter forest areas and cut trees. With it now easier to resume work that had been halted or affected due to the lack of permits, construction activities have been advanced simultaneously at various locations.
Currently, work is underway on constructing tower foundations, erecting towers, protecting towers at required locations, and stringing transmission lines. Stringing work is ongoing in Bharatpur Metropolitan City of Chitwan and Devghat Rural Municipality of Tanahu. Around two kilometers of transmission line have been strung so far, Bhandari said.
India-based KEC International has been awarded the contract for the transmission line under Package 3. The transmission line is being constructed to connect the electricity generated by the project to the national grid.
The project said obtaining permission for entry into forest areas and tree felling has made it easier to proceed with the work required for construction. Construction of towers, tower erection, and stringing activities are currently being carried out simultaneously at various locations.
Along with the construction of the 140 MW Tanahu Hydropower Project, the project has also prioritized the development of the transmission infrastructure required to connect the generated electricity to the national grid. The Damauli–Bharatpur 220 kV transmission line is being constructed as an important part of this infrastructure.
Jalasarokar