KATHMANDU: The government has clarified that the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will also gain direct benefits from the upcoming cross-border transmission line project between Nepal and India.
An agreement has already been signed between the two countries to jointly construct two additional 400 kV transmission lines—the Inaruwa–Purnia and Dododhara–Bareilly corridors.
To implement the project, a joint venture company (JVC) will be established between the NEA and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL).
According to Sandeep Kumar Dev, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, NEA will hold a 51 percent stake in the portion of the transmission line to be built within Nepal, while it will have a 49 percent share in the section constructed in India.
The Ministry stated that cross-border transmission infrastructure has been prioritized to ensure a reliable export market for electricity generated from hydropower projects with signed power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Officials believe the project will strengthen energy trade between Nepal and India, improve grid stability, and open greater opportunities for power export from Nepal in the near future.
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