Himal Press 
MCA Nepal, Transmission Line
KATHMANDU: The Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has completed construction of the 18 km section of the cross-border New Butwal-Gorakhpur transmission line.
The completion of the Nepal section of the transmission line marks an important milestone in Nepal’s efforts to strengthen its electricity network and expand cross-border power connectivity, MCA Nepal said in a statement on Monday.
The 18-kilometer transmission line is a part of the 138-kilometer 400-kV New Butwal-Gorakhpur transmission line. A joint venture of the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Power Grid Corporation of India is building the remaining 120-kilometer stretch of the transmission line.
“MCA-Nepal accelerated construction of the 18-kilometer section in response to a request from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation and has completed the work within the agreed timeframe,” it added in the statement.
Speaking at an event organized in Nawalparasi West to mark the completion, Finance Secretary and Chairperson of the MCA-Nepal Board, Ghanashyam Upadhyaya, highlighted the importance of the milestone and appreciated the partnership between Nepal, the United States and MCC. “On behalf of Nepal, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the US Government for its longstanding commitment to Nepal’s development and its continued support through the MCC Nepal Compact,” he said. “The completion of this transmission line is an important milestone in strengthening Nepal’s electricity infrastructure and advancing cross-border energy connectivity.”
MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bisht said the achievement reflects MCA-Nepal’s commitment to delivering on the priorities of the government.
Similarly, MCC Resident Country Director Diane Francisco thanked those who contributed to the successful completion of the Nepal section of the transmission line. “This achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when we work together toward a shared goal,” she said.
According to MCA Nepal, the transmission line will undergo the remaining steps required before it can be energized and put into operation, including work and approvals needed to enable electricity to flow across the Nepal–India border.
