KATHMANDU, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) — The Nepali Energy Ministry has sent the initial feasibility report of a cross-border transmission line to be constructed on the Nepali side to China, a senior official of the ministry said.
Nepal had requested China to provide assistance for the construction of the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung (Geelong) Cross-Border Transmission line during former Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China in March 2016.
Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, spokesperson of the Energy Ministry, told Xinhua on Tuesday that they handed the initial feasibility study report to Nepali Foreign Ministry on Sunday to deliver it to the Chinese side through diplomatic channel.
“Once the Chinese side studies the report, there will be formal discussions regarding the project at the government levels,” said Ghimire, also one of two focal persons designated by the Nepali government to negotiate with the Chinese side.
With the hydropower plants being constructed along the proposed transmission line, Nepali officials said that 400 KV transmission line has been necessary along the route to transform power for the hydropower projects being constructed and those which are about to kick off construction.
The Energy Ministry has selected the project for potential financing under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. The country had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China to become part of the initiative in May 2017.
“We have proposed this project to the Finance Ministry to submit to the Chinese side for the potential financing under the Belt and Road Initiative,” said Ghimire.