KATHMANDU: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is constructing six 132-11 kV substations in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur to enhance the reliability, quality, and safety of electricity supply within the Kathmandu Valley.
Among these, the Teku substation has already been brought into operation, while the Phutung and Mulpani substations are in the final stages and expected to be operational within two months.
The Changunarayan substation in Bhaktapur has been completed and is awaiting activation. The Chobhar substation is set to be operational by July, while the Thimi substation in Bhaktapur is projected to be completed in eight months.
Each substation has a capacity of 90 MVA, and once operational, they will collectively enable the supply of an additional 500 MW of electricity to the Kathmandu Valley—matching its current peak demand. Looking ahead, the NEA has projected that by 2050, electricity demand in the valley could reach 3,100 MW.
To meet this growing need, the authority is planning 20 new substations of 220, 132, 33, and 11 kV levels in a phased manner.
As part of its long-term strategy, NEA has already acquired land and completed preparatory work for a 220 kV transmission ring around the valley. Additionally, the Lapsiphedi substation—designed to integrate hydroelectric power from the Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi river basins into Kathmandu’s grid—is under construction.
NEA’s infrastructure enhancement efforts also include undergrounding electrical wires, upgrading existing substations, automating the grid, and strengthening feeders and transformers to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Executive Director of NEA, Kulman Ghising, recently inspected the ongoing projects and urged for swift completion to meet increasing electricity demands. He stated that once the substations under construction are operational, electricity management in Kathmandu will become easier, and the supply will be more reliable and consistent.
To improve power supply in the southeastern region of Kathmandu, the construction of a 132-11 kV substation in Mulpani of Kageshwori Manohara Municipality is in the final stage.
The Chapali-Bhaktapur 132 kV transmission line will be connected to the Mulpani substation to distribute electricity. Eight 11 kV feeders have been installed to supply electricity to areas including Jadibuti, Pepsicola, Kandaghari, Gothatar, Mulpani, Jorpati, Sanghu, and Thimi. Efforts are being made to bring the substation into operation by April.
The construction of the Phutung substation is also in its final stages. The Balaju-Chapali 132 kV double circuit transmission line will be connected to this substation, improving electricity supply in Balaju, Nepaltar, and Goldhunga. Work is in progress to bring the substation into operation within two months.
A 132-11 kV substation has been constructed in Chobhar to address transmission issues in Khokana, Bungmati, Harisiddhi, and Lamatar areas of Lalitpur under the Thankot-Chapagaun-Bhaktapur 132 kV transmission line.
The substation will be supplied with electricity from the Matatirtha Substation, and efforts are being made to bring it into operation by July. A 132 kV underground transmission line will also be constructed from the Chobhar substation through the Ring Road to the Lagankhel substation in Lalitpur. The Lagankhel substation is being upgraded to 132 kV, and plans are in place to extend the line underground from there to Chapagaun and Harisiddhi.
The transmission and distribution system upgrade is being carried out with financial support from the Government of Nepal, the NEA, and concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the World Bank.
These developments are expected to significantly improve electricity reliability, reduce power disruptions, and prepare Kathmandu Valley’s grid for future energy demands.
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