Birgunj: The industries in Birgunj have been prevented from functioning in full capacities with a nonoperational Raxaul – Parawanipur 132 kV power transmission line set up two months ago.
The cross-border transmission line straddling India’s Raxaul and Nepal’s Prawanipur was set up two months ago, but it is yet to start operation, thereby preventing the industries in Nepal to operate in full capacity.
When questioned, project’s chief Laxmi Narayan Mukhiya said he did not know why the transmission line is not functioning.
The Indian government has set up two substations in Raxaul and Parawanipur in Nepal under an investment amounting to around Rs 10 million. The Birgunj Pathalaiya Industrial Corridor is waiting eagerly for the operation of the transmission line which is believed to greatly relieve the electricity burden.
Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s former Chair, Pradip Kedia, said many industries were on verge of closure with lack of voltage, which in turn is affecting the production. Kedia accused the electricity authority of remaining apathetic towards the situation.
