The state-owned power utility, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has energised the 132 kV Butwal–Lumbini transmission line to improve power supply and control power losses in the Bhairahawa area of Rupandehi district, Nepal.
The 18-km transmission line connecting the Butwal and Mainahiya substations, can transmit upto 200 MW of electricity. About two km of the line has been laid underground in the Butwal city area. Under the project, a substation has been constructed in Mainahiya with two power transformers of 132/33/11 kV, 45 MVA and 33/11 kV, 16 MVA capacities. As many as 57 towers have been constructed along the transmission line. Preliminary work of the transmission line project had started in the fiscal year 2013-14, but construction had been delayed due to route changes and COVID-19 restrictions. The Butwal–Lumbini transmission line will be used for power exchange with India. The Mainahiya substation (Nepal) will be connected with the Sampatiya (New Nautanwa) substation in Uttar Pradesh, India via a 132 kV, 28-km line, which is scheduled to become operational in 2023.