KATHMANDU: A 132-kV transmission line has come into operation in Karnali Province, marking the first transmission line operated by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in the province.

According to NEA Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya, the launch of the 132-kV Surkhet transmission line under the Kohalpur–Surkhet–Dailekh Transmission Line Project is expected to accelerate economic growth in the province.

Karnali had long been facing problems such as system overload, frequent power supply disruptions, and low voltage, as it relied solely on a 33-kV transmission line. With the access to high-capacity transmission services, the province is now expected to witness industrial development with increased power consumption.

Project Chief Rabi Kumar Chaudhary said that construction of the approximately 52-kilometre Kohalpur–Surkhet section has been completed as directed by the NEA. He added that work on the second phase, covering the Surkhet–Dailekh section, will now be intensified.