Six Companies Selected to Build West Seti 400 kV Transmission Line Under PPP Model

Government authorities have selected six companies to construct the West Seti (Bajhang–Banlek–Dododhara) 400 kV transmission line, a project considered vital for hydropower development in Sudurpaschim Province. The project will be developed under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model.

According to the state-owned National Transmission Grid Company Limited, investment allocation among the six promoters has been finalized. The company had invited expressions of interest for investment on September 8, 2025. Out of eight applicants, six were shortlisted.

The project, estimated to cost around Rs 20 billion, will have a shareholding structure of 51 percent government and 49 percent private investors. Company spokesperson Nagendra Chaudhary said the selected firms will mobilize 30 percent equity and 70 percent debt to finance construction.

From the government side, the National Transmission Grid Company will hold 26 percent shares, while Chilime Hydropower Company Limited and Chainpur Seti Hydropower Company Limited will each hold 12.5 percent. On the private sector side, three companies have been chosen: Samriddhi Energy Limited with the largest stake of 35.1 percent, Ngadi Group Power Limited with 7 percent, and Siuri Nyadi Power Limited with 6.9 percent.

“A special purpose company will now be established to implement the project, and the contract process will move forward,” Chaudhary said. He added that company registration, asset transfer, and auditing will proceed simultaneously.

The double-circuit transmission line will span approximately 145 kilometers, making it one of Nepal’s most significant internal transmission projects. This is the second major PPP initiative by the Grid Company after the 220 kV Tamor–Dhungesanghu line in Taplejung.

Starting from the Chainpur substation in Bajhang, the line will pass through Banlek in Doti and reach Dododhara substation in Kailali. It will have the capacity to transmit up to 2,500 MW of electricity. The project aims to be completed by 2031, linking strategic hydropower projects in Sudurpaschim to the national grid.

Hydropower plants expected to be connected include Seti River–3 (87 MW), Chainpur Seti (210 MW), Bajhang Upper Seti (216 MW), Sunigad (25 MW), Super Seti (46 MW), Malumela Seti (72 MW), Mahakali Seti (54 MW), Ghatganga (51.5 MW), and the 750 MW West Seti project.