NEW DELHI: With the aim of enhancing energy cooperation with the neighbouring countries and putting in place a proper intra-region grid-related power infrastructure, the Government is funding power projects and construction of power-related infrastructure in Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan. Some of these projects are supplying power to India to cover up the deficit between demand and supply in the country.

This is apart from increasing cooperation for intra-region linking of power grids with these countries. A feasibility study is under way to look at the possibility of extending the intra-grid linking with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the near future.

Giving this information here, Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said construction of 220 KV double circuit transmission line of 202 km from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and a 220/110/20 KV sub-station at Kabul in Afghanistan at an estimated cost of Rs. 478 crore was presently going on. This project involves construction of over 600 transmission towers. This project will supply power to Kabul from Uzbekistan and is expected to improve Afghanistan's industry and economy. The project will be completed by February 2009.

India is assisting Bhutan financially and technically in construction of Chukha hydropower project (336 MW), Kurichhu hydropower project (60 MW) and Tala hydropower project (1020 MW).

The projects in Bhutan are supplying power to India at mutually agreed rates.

India is providing assistance to Nepal for the development of its huge hydropower potential. Four hydroelectric schemes — Pokhra (1 MW), Trisuli (21 MW), Western Gandak (15 MW), Devighat (14.1 MW) — have been implemented with Indian assistance and further cooperation was being explored to strengthen this relationship further.

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