Litmus Industries cross border transmission approval
17th February 2026, Kathmandu
The industrial and energy sectors of Nepal have reached a historic turning point as Litmus Industries Limited officially secured supply approval from the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited for a major cross border transmission initiative. This endorsement, finalized in early 2082 (2026), marks a significant breakthrough for Nepali manufacturing, as Litmus Industries becomes the first and only company from Nepal to be qualified as a supplier for India’s central transmission authority in a high voltage cross border context. The approval is specifically for the supply of high capacity conductors intended for the 400 kV Diding Dhalkebar Bathnaha transmission line, a critical piece of infrastructure designed to facilitate large scale electricity trade between Nepal and India.
Litmus Industries cross border transmission
Litmus Industries, a flagship entity under the Ramesh Corp umbrella, has been at the forefront of the cables and conductors industry in Nepal since its inception in 1977. Formerly known as Lumbini Vidyut Udyog, the company has undergone a massive transformation over the last decade, focusing on technological self reliance and international quality standards. The recent approval from Power Grid India follows a rigorous and exhaustive technical audit of the company’s manufacturing facility located in the Butwal Industrial Estate. Indian technical experts conducted on site evaluations of the production lines, quality control laboratories, and the overall infrastructure to ensure that the products could withstand the extreme electrical and mechanical stresses associated with 400 kV extra high voltage transmission.
The specific product at the center of this approval is the 2,799 kilometer supply of 400 kV ACSR Moose conductor. The ACSR, or Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced, Moose conductor is a specialized type of high capacity wire consisting of a solid or stranded steel core surrounded by layers of high purity aluminum. This design provides the necessary tensile strength to support long spans across challenging terrains while maintaining high conductivity for the efficient transfer of electricity. Manufacturing these conductors domestically in Nepal is a significant achievement, as such high specification components were historically imported from India, China, or other international markets. The ability to produce these locally not only reduces the trade deficit but also enhances the technical expertise of the Nepali workforce.
The Diding Dhalkebar Bathnaha transmission line project is intrinsically linked to the 900 megawatt Arun III Hydroelectric Project, which is currently under construction in the Sankhuwasabha district. As one of the largest hydropower ventures in South Asia, Arun III requires a robust evacuation route to deliver power from the remote Arun Valley to the national grids of both Nepal and India. The Dhalkebar Bathnaha section serves as the vital link to the Indian border, enabling the export of surplus electricity. By supplying the conductors for this strategic corridor, Litmus Industries is playing a direct role in realizing Nepal’s vision of becoming a regional energy hub and a net exporter of clean, renewable power.
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This milestone is built upon Litmus Industries’ previous success in domestic infrastructure. The company previously supplied over 3,600 kilometers of similar 400 kV ACSR Moose conductors for the Hetauda Dhalkebar Inaruwa transmission line project, which forms the 400 kV backbone of the Integrated Nepal Power System. This prior experience with the Nepal Electricity Authority provided the necessary track record and operational credibility required to meet the stringent pre qualification criteria set by Power Grid India. The successful delivery of the earlier domestic projects demonstrated that a Nepali firm could consistently meet the highest engineering specifications required for extra high voltage lines.
The economic impact of this approval extends beyond a single contract. It serves as a powerful validation of Nepal’s “Swadeshi” or indigenous manufacturing movement. In recent years, the Government of Nepal has introduced policies to prioritize domestic products in public procurement, which has encouraged local industries to invest in advanced technology. Litmus Industries’ recent launch of an aluminum rod manufacturing plant in Ramgram, Nawalparasi, further supports this vertical integration. By producing the raw aluminum rods used in the conductors, the company is further reducing its reliance on foreign raw materials, ensuring a more resilient and cost effective supply chain for national energy projects.
Furthermore, the approval from Power Grid India positions Litmus Industries for future opportunities within the broader South Asian Power Grid. As regional cooperation under frameworks like BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal) gains momentum, the demand for high voltage cross border infrastructure is expected to surge. Having an approved supplier status with India’s central utility opens the doors for Litmus to participate in international tenders across the region, potentially turning the company into a major exporter of high tech electrical components.
In conclusion, the cross border project approval from Power Grid India for Litmus Industries represents a triumph of Nepali industrial capability. It proves that with the right investment in German technology and rigorous adherence to international quality standards, Nepali companies can compete on a global stage. As the 400 kV Diding Dhalkebar Bathnaha line begins to take shape with locally manufactured conductors, it will stand as a symbol of the growing synergy between Nepal’s manufacturing sector and its vast hydropower potential. For the engineers at Litmus and the policymakers in Kathmandu, this achievement is a clear indicator that the path to economic prosperity lies in building domestic capacity to support the regional energy transition.
