The project’s overall construction cost is estimated at INR2 billion which covers construction of the sub-stations at Dhalkebar.
Yugal Kishor Sah, NEA’s general manager of transmission line section, said “The total cost of the project is about Rs 2 billion and the PTCN is a 50 per cent equity partner in the joint venture.”
Sah stated that even though India has agreed to offer line of credit (loan) to provide for partial funding, the NEA has to garner the remaining amount from the credit market.
NEA official said “The total cost of the 400 KV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur line is estimated at Rs 13 billion. The NEA is not in a position to even fund the fist phase 45-km line on the Nepali side.”
The official added that this is the primary cause why the 200 MW offered by PTC is currently on hold. “We cannot import power without the transmission lines, but unfortunately the financing of the project itself is a major problem now.”
PTC officials said “Nepal should request Indian government’s assistance for the construction of the transmission line, otherwise it is not possible to complete the project soon.”
Harish Saran, the PTC’s vice-president said, “India has offered 200 MW additional power to Nepal on a long-term basis but this is contingent upon the construction of the 220 KV transmission line.”
T N Thakur, PTC’s chairman, affirmed that PTC is waiting for NEA’s response for confirmation of the offer made to Nepal.
