Agreement Reached to Advance Construction of Transmission Line for 102 MW Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project
An agreement has been reached to advance the construction of the transmission line crucial for the 102-megawatt Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project in Sindhupalchowk. The project, led by Chilime Hydropower Company Limited, an auxiliary of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), had faced significant delays due to local obstructions, particularly in the Bahundanda area.
The agreement was reached during a discussion held on Wednesday among key stakeholders, including Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka, State Minister Purn Bahadur Tamang, federal MP Mohan Bahadur Basnet from Sindhupalchowk Constituency-2, Ministry Secretary Sandeep Kumar Dev, NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising, Barhabise Municipality Mayor Bal Krishna Basnet, and other local representatives.
The transmission line, approximately four kilometers long, connects the powerhouse's switchyard at the project site in Bahundanda Municipality-5 to the NEA's substation in Bahundanda-3. Of this, two kilometers had been obstructed for the past 14 months by local residents, primarily in Palanti of Bahundanda-3 and -4, affecting the land of 124 landowners. The obstruction prevented the stringing of wires along 13 constructed towers for the 220 kV single-circuit transmission line.
To resolve the issue, it was agreed that the hydropower project would provide financial assistance to the Bahundanda Municipal Hospital through the municipality as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. Additionally, the agreement includes the development and construction support for the affected areas, fair compensation for the land and structures impacted by the transmission line route, and the prompt resumption of the remaining construction.
Energy Minister Deepak Khadka emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating that it would eliminate the obstacles hindering the completion of the transmission line, which is vital for integrating the Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project into the national electricity grid. He directed all parties involved to implement the agreement diligently and complete the remaining work within one month.
State Minister Tamang assured that construction would commence immediately as per the agreement, with the ministry and relevant agencies conducting regular monitoring of the project. MP Mohan Bahadur Basnet highlighted the significant risks taken to advance the project and noted that the agreement successfully addresses the legitimate concerns of the local residents.
NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising pointed out that completing the transmission line will foster local ownership and urged for the swift completion of the remaining work to facilitate immediate electricity production from the project. He also confirmed that the construction of the 220/132 kV substation for the project’s power flow has been completed.
Once operational, the electricity generated by the Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydroelectric Project will be utilized to charge the Bhotekoshi Substation. Although there were initial issues with water leakage in the project's tunnel during testing, repairs have been made, and the remaining work is on track to enable electricity production by mid-October.
To temporarily address power flow from the project, a 132 kV transmission line is being constructed by Shiva Shree Hydropower, the promoter of the 22 MW Upper Chaku 'A' Hydropower Project, to connect to the Bhotekoshi Substation. This arrangement will allow the electricity from Madhya Bhotekoshi to be integrated into the national grid via the Lamosanghu Substation.
