KATHMANDU: The construction of the 400 kV Hetauda substation in Makwanpur-11, Thanabharyang, under Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, has reached completion, as announced by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). This substation, Nepal's third-largest, operates on gas insulated switchgear (GIS) technology and was inaugurated on Friday. It stands as a crucial component in fortifying and expanding the country's electricity transmission and distribution network.

Additionally, the completion of the 220 kV and 132/11 kV substations in Thanabharyang marks significant progress under the Nepal-India Electricity Transmission and Trade Project. These developments aim to enhance the reliability and quality of power supply domestically and facilitate electricity trade between Nepal and India. Notably, Hetauda now ranks as the third largest substation in Nepal, following Dhalkebar and Inaruwa, contributing to the east-west power transmission network.

The completion of the Hetauda substation signifies a pivotal milestone, as it prepares the infrastructure to supply approximately 4,000 megawatts of electricity. This achievement aligns with ongoing efforts to advance the Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa 400 kV transmission line project, which holds the promise of bolstering electricity supply domestically and fostering trade with India. Despite challenges posed by local obstructions in certain areas, construction progresses steadily in unaffected zones.

Managing Director of NEA, Kul Man Ghising, emphasized the transformative impact of the Hetauda substation on local electricity supply, underscoring its role in enhancing reliability and quality in key areas like Hetauda, Bharatpur, Simara, and Birgunj. Moreover, the substation's strategic location facilitates the transmission of hydropower-generated electricity from Nepal's central region to the national grid, streamlining surplus electricity export to India through the Hetauda-Dhalkebar 400 kV transmission line.

Furthermore, the Hetauda substation's adaptability for future expansion underscores its long-term significance in meeting Nepal's evolving energy demands. As part of broader energy infrastructure initiatives, including the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Project, plans are underway to connect the substation with a 400 kV double-circuit transmission line from Ratmate in Nuwakot. This collaborative effort, supported by government investment and concessional loans, epitomizes Nepal's commitment to advancing its electricity development agenda.