Government Prioritizes Transmission Lines and Irrigation Projects in Upcoming Fiscal Year Budget

The government has prioritized 11 transmission line projects and six national pride irrigation initiatives in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84. The Ministry of Energy has adopted a policy to complete existing project obligations but decided not to progress with new large projects. Energy expert Prabal Adhikari noted that substantial investment in transmission infrastructure will be necessary to meet the target of 30,000 megawatts of electricity production over the next decade.

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has placed electricity transmission lines at the top of its agenda in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Officials from the ministry stated that the government will allocate special emphasis on constructing transmission lines in the budget presented on Jestha 15. A sufficient budget has been allocated for the construction of 11 transmission lines within the coming year, spanning voltage levels from 132 kV to 220 kV.

The Ministry of Energy has committed to prioritizing these projects by ensuring budget and timelines. The list includes transmission lines such as Lalbandi–Nawalpur–Salimpur 132 kV, Kushaha–Biratnagar 132 kV, Nepalgunj–Nanpara 132 kV, Kushma–Talli Modi–Naya Modi 132 kV, Naya Modi–Lekhnath 132 kV, and Kohalpur–Surkhet–Dailekh 132 kV. Additionally, the budget also allocates funds for Kaligandaki–Ridi 132 kV, Tumlingtar–Sitalpati 220 kV, Dhalkebar–Bhaluganga 132 kV, Bhume–Hakui 132 kV transmission lines, as well as the Nepal–India electricity transmission and trade projects.