Kathmandu — The Nepal Electricity Authority has, for the first time, issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to involve the private sector in the transmission sector. The authority has invited EOIs for the construction of the following transmission lines: 400 kV Sheetalpati (Arun Hub)–Inaruwa, 400 kV Tingla–New Khimti–Sunkoshi–Dhalkebar, 132 kV Dadakhet–Burtibang, and the 132 kV Ridi–Tamghas double-circuit transmission line.
The authority plans to develop these transmission lines under a tariff-based competitive bidding structure. According to the authority, the projects will be built under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model. Interested companies must submit their proposals by April 27.
The 400 kV Sheetalpati (Arun Hub)–Inaruwa transmission line will be constructed across Sunsari, Sankhuwasabha, Dhankuta, and Bhojpur districts. The line will be 95 kilometers long and will require the construction of 243 towers. The authority stated that the survey for this transmission line has already been completed. Once built, the line will have the capacity to supply 4,400 megawatts of electricity.
Similarly, the 400 kV Tingla–New Khimti–Sunkoshi–Dhalkebar transmission line will span Koshi, Bagmati, and Madhesh provinces, covering Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap, Dolakha, Sindhuli, and Dhanusha districts. Upon completion, the line will be capable of transmitting 4,080 megawatts of electricity. Its total length will be 133.99 kilometers, requiring the construction of 385 towers. The authority has confirmed that the survey and Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for this project have already been completed.
The 132 kV Dadakhet–Burtibang transmission line will have a length of 33 kilometers. This 132 kV double-circuit transmission line, to be constructed in Myagdi and Baglung districts, will have a capacity of 250 megawatts. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority, the project is currently in the survey phase.
Similarly, the 132 kV Ridi–Tamghas double-circuit transmission line will be constructed in Palpa and Gulmi districts. Its total length will be 28 kilometers. The authority stated that this project is also in the survey phase.
According to Rajan Dhakal, spokesperson of the authority, this move is a significant milestone as it promotes competitive participation of the private sector in transmission infrastructure development for the first time. “Strengthening the transmission system is essential to facilitate Nepal’s growing hydropower generation and future energy trade,” he said.
Kantipur
