Kathmandu — The Millennium Challenge Account Nepal Development Committee (MCA-Nepal), under the MCC Nepal Compact, has completed construction of the 18-kilometre Nepal section of the cross-border transmission line connecting the 400 kV New Butwal Substation to the Nepal–India border.
MCA-Nepal accelerated the construction of the transmission line segment following a request from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. According to MCA-Nepal, the work was completed within the scheduled timeframe.
Speaking at a ceremony held on Sunday at the New Butwal Substation in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) to mark the completion of the project, Finance Secretary and Chairman of the MCA-Nepal Board of Directors, Ghanshyam Upadhyaya, said the achievement was the result of cooperation among Nepal, the United States, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
“On behalf of the Government of Nepal, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Government of the United States for its long-term commitment to Nepal’s development and for the support provided through the MCC Nepal Compact,” he said. “The completion of this transmission line is a significant milestone in strengthening Nepal’s electricity infrastructure and expanding cross-border energy connectivity.”
Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Sunil Paudel, said the completion of the transmission line segment reflects Nepal’s progress in reinforcing its power infrastructure and expanding cross-border electricity connections.
“The completion of the Nepal section of this transmission line demonstrates what can be achieved through strong coordination among the government, implementing agencies, development partners, and local communities,” he said. “MCA-Nepal’s efforts to complete the project according to the schedule are commendable.”
Nepal Electricity Authority Acting Managing Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha described the completion of the transmission line as an important achievement for Nepal’s energy sector.
“This accomplishment moves us one step closer to realizing the broader benefits of a stronger electricity network between Nepal and India,” he said.
MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bista said completing the transmission line within a short timeframe demonstrates the agency’s commitment to fulfilling the Government of Nepal’s priorities.
“MCA-Nepal mobilized the necessary resources, contractors, and partners to ensure timely completion of the project,” he said. “We now look forward to completing the remaining procedures needed to energize the line and strengthen electricity connectivity and energy cooperation between Nepal, India, and the wider region.”
MCC Resident Country Director Diane Francisco thanked the Government of Nepal, project implementation agencies, and local communities for their contribution to the successful completion of the transmission line.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Nepal and the local communities for their support and participation throughout the project implementation period,” she said. “This accomplishment is a clear example of what can be achieved when partners work together toward a shared goal.”
With the completion of the 18-kilometre Nepal section, MCA-Nepal has finished all construction work under its responsibility for the cross-border transmission line project. The agency said the next steps include obtaining the necessary approvals and completing technical procedures required for cross-border electricity flow between Nepal and India.
The 18-kilometre segment is part of MCA-Nepal’s Electricity Transmission Project. The broader project includes the construction of 315 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines, three substations, and technical assistance to the Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Nepal Electricity Authority.
The project aims to strengthen Nepal’s transmission network to improve electricity availability and reliability, enhance energy security, support future power generation, and facilitate cross-border electricity trade.
Kantipur