The construction of three 132kV substations in Amlekhgunj and Prasauni (Bara) and Birgunj (Parsa) is in its final stage to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity supply for industrial corridors and general consumers.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kulman Ghising, after conducting an on-site inspection, directed project managers and contractors to expedite the substation and transmission line construction. Highlighting their importance in managing electricity demand in the Birgunj region and facilitating trade with India, he urged all stakeholders to be responsible and ensure timely completion.
The Amlekhgunj 132/66 kV substation is being developed to address power supply issues in the Pathlaiya-Simara-Birgunj industrial corridor and meet rising demand. Most of the main equipment has been installed, with operations expected to begin by the end of May.
Both circuits of the 66 kV line supplying electricity from Hetauda to the Simara-Birgunj industrial corridor have been looped in and out of the substation. Previously, the long, low-capacity 66 kV line caused voltage issues, which will now be resolved as the 132 kV transmission line becomes the primary power source. The substation is equipped with 132/66 kV, 200 MVA, and 66/11 kV, 20 MVA power transformers.
A 2.8 km 132 kV underground transmission line is under construction to connect Prasauni and Birgunj substations. The underground transmission line is expected to be completed within a month, while installation of equipment and civil works at the substations are ongoing.
Upon completion, the Birgunj area will have 132 kV and 66 kV power sources, ensuring a stable and high-quality electricity supply. Currently, power is supplied to Kalaiya (Bara) from the Birgunj substation, but once the Prasauni substation is operational, supply will be redirected there, reducing the load on Birgunj.
The NEA is expanding high-capacity transmission and distribution infrastructure to support existing and future industries in Simara, Nijgadh, Birgunj, Parwanipur, Pokhariya, and Prasauni within the Bara-Parsa Industrial Corridor. A new 132 kV transmission line from Parwanipur to Pokhariya and the Pokhariya substation is also under construction to meet growing industrial electricity demands.
Additionally, a 400 kV substation is being built in Nijgadh (Bara) under the Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inruwa 400 kV transmission line project, with an extension to Pokhariya via Ramouli. The proposed 65 km transmission line will include three 400 kV substations in Nijgadh, Ramouli, and Pokhariya. The Nijgadh-Ramouli-Pokhariya transmission line survey has been completed, and land compensation for the Ramouli substation has been finalized.
The Nijgadh substation will be funded through a concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank), while the 38 km Nijgadh-Ramouli transmission line and Ramouli substation will be financed by the Asian Development Bank. Furthermore, the Aurahi-Simra 132 kV transmission line is being developed to serve the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Simra, Dumarwana, and surrounding areas.
