132 kV underground transmission line to be built in central Kathmandu

Kathmandu: Nepal Electricity Authority is set to construct a 132 kV underground transmission line in the central part of Kathmandu. The project is being developed with the objective of ensuring easy electricity supply within the Ring Road area.

According to the authority, the underground transmission line is also intended to increase electricity consumption and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city.

As per the proposal, the transmission line will be connected to Singha Durbar via the Balaju–Maharajgunj–Rajdurbar–Ratnapark route. The total length of the line from Balaju Substation to Singha Durbar will be 11.92 kilometers.

The double-circuit transmission line is scheduled to be completed within the next three years. In addition, a 132/11 kV substation will be constructed in Maharajgunj, another 132/11 kV substation in Rajdurbar, and a 132/11 kV substation in Ratnapark. A 32/66/11 kV substation will also be built in Singha Durbar.

The Nepal Electricity Authority has applied to the Department of Electricity Development for permission to construct the transmission line and substations.

The transmission line will have a capacity of 132 kV, and the underground double-circuit system will be capable of carrying up to 350 MW of electricity.

A total of 21 joint pits will be constructed along the route, with a maximum distance of 500 meters between them. The project will require 1.62 hectares of land.

During construction and operation, the transmission line must be developed in a way that does not cause significant adverse environmental impacts such as soil erosion, flooding, or air pollution, in accordance with Section 24 of the Electricity Act, 2049.

The department has issued a public notice inviting suggestions and feedback regarding the project. The Nepal Electricity Authority has previously built an underground transmission line in the Ratnapark–Maharajgunj area. Similar underground lines are also under construction in various parts of Kathmandu and Lalitpur.

Underground transmission projects are in the final stages in Pokhara and Bharatpur as well. Although the initiative was launched to improve urban aesthetics and ensure reliable electricity supply, many such projects have not been completed on time and expected results have yet to be fully achieved.