The long-stalled Khimti-Dhalkabar electricity transmission line has come into operation after it remained stuck for over a decade owing to various circumstances.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the 220 KV transmission line on Thursday here at Kirne in Dolakha district.

The World Bank funded project was delayed due to problems such as land acquisition and compensation to the affected land owners. According to project Chief Shyam Kumar Yadav, the remaining works of the project were completed within the past six months following the initiatives by the current government.  The double-circuit transmission line can transmit around 700 MW electricity.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Dahal warned that those involved in disintegrating and anarchic activities in the name of nationalism would be dealt in a stern manner.

“Currently the country is in need of national unity, the government is striving to move forward by taking everyone—mountain, hill and Tarai—on board,” said PM Dahal.  He further said that those willing to disintegrate the nation are talking about various class and region and conspiring to foil the implementation of the constitution promulgated through the Constituent Assembly. 

The transmission line has made it easier to import electricity from India to Kathmandu Valley.

According to Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kul Man Ghising, the transmission line has been instrumental in transmitting electricity in Tamakoshi region, mid-Tarai and eastern region, controlling the leakage of around 10 MW power, ending the problem of voltage and would also be helpful in transmitting electricity of Tamakoshi.  

Likewise, it would also be helpful in transmitting the power generated in Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga and Singhuli districts.

The construction of the project that started in 2006 was completed at a cost of Rs 2.13 billion. Ghising underlined the need for a paradigm shift in Nepal’s development and infrastructure sector given the tendency of delays. 

At the inauguration programme, Energy Minister Janardan Sharma said that the government has adopted concrete steps and action plan to resolve the problems seen in Nepal’s hydro power development.   (With inputs from RSS)