Kathmandu: The Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has announced the relaunch of bids for the construction of a 297-kilometre power transmission line. This project, part of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact, is designed to bolster Nepal’s power transmission network. The deadline for bid submissions is 30 January 2025, with the construction divided into three segments: Lapsiphedi-Ratmate-New Hetauda, Ratmate-New Damauli, and New Damauli-New Butwal, as stated in an MCA-Nepal press release.
According to National News Agency Nepal, this relaunch follows a thorough review of the earlier bidding process and incorporates design optimizations, enhanced access to tower locations, and updated commercial terms in response to feedback from bidders. These revisions aim to address the primary cost factors identified in the initial bids, ensuring that the proposals are more feasible and cost-effective.
On August 30, 2024, MCA-Nepal awarded a USD 12.36 million contract to Transrail Lightin
g Ltd. for the construction of the 18 km Nepal segment of the Butwal-Gorakhpur transmission line, which is expected to be completed within 21 months. ‘After securing the contract for the 18 km segment, we are confident the redesigned requirements for the remaining 297 km will attract strong market interest and competitive bids,’ stated Mr Khadga Bahadur Bisht, Executive Director of MCA-Nepal.
The relaunch signifies another milestone in the advancement of the MCC Nepal Compact, which has made notable progress over the past year. With contractors already engaged in building the three 400 kV substations and the 18 km transmission line, MCA-Nepal is poised to implement the remaining segments, further fortifying Nepal’s energy infrastructure.
MCA-Nepal has expressed its commitment to the successful execution of this procurement and the transmission line construction while adhering to the environmental and social standards set by both the Government of Nepal and MCC.