KATHMANDU, July 12: Electricity has started flowing through the Markichok–Bharatpur 220 kV transmission line, a development expected to improve power reliability from Chitwan to Kohalpur.
According to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, electricity transmission through the line began at 3 pm on Saturday following initiatives led by Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, who visited the project site and held discussions with local representatives and residents to facilitate its operation.
With the transmission line now in service, electricity supply is expected to become more reliable in Chitwan, Hetauda, Butwal and Kohalpur. The ministry said the line will help balance the regional transmission network and reduce frequent power tripping and outages.
Kushma-New Butwal 220 kV transmission line comes into operation
Minister Shrestha said the new line would also enable electricity generated by privately operated hydropower projects, particularly during the monsoon season, to be transmitted more efficiently through Bharatpur into the national grid. He added that the need for hydropower plants to operate below capacity would gradually be eliminated.
The ministry described the project as an example of successful cooperation between the government and the private sector, allowing previously underutilized clean energy to be integrated more effectively into the national transmission system.
The electricity is being transmitted through the 220 kV double-circuit transmission line connecting the New Marsyangdi Substation in Markichok, Tanahun, with the New Bharatpur Substation in Aaptari, Chitwan.
