In a bid to enhance the reliability, quality, and safety of electricity supply in the Kathmandu Valley, six new substations are currently under construction, with plans underway to build 20 more in the coming years, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
The NEA is developing six 132/11 kV substations across Kathmandu and Bhaktapur to strengthen the valley’s power transmission and distribution infrastructure. Among them, the Teku substation is already operational, while the Phutung and Mulpani substations are in the final stages and are expected to be operational within two months. Similarly, the Changu Narayan substation in Bhaktapur has been completed and is awaiting activation. The Chobhar substation is set for completion by mid-July, and the Thimi substation in Bhaktapur is expected to be operational within eight months.
Each of these substations has a capacity of 90/90 MVA, and once all are operational, the Valley will have the infrastructure to handle an additional 500 MW of electricity. With the valley’s current electricity demand hovering around 500 MW, these projects are crucial for meeting growing consumption needs.
Future Expansion Plans
To accommodate future demand, the NEA has projected that Kathmandu Valley’s peak electricity demand will reach 3,100 MW by 2050. To address this, the authority has initiated the process to construct additional 20 substations of 220 kV, 132 kV, 33 kV, and 11 kV capacity in key areas of the valley. Land acquisition for these substations has already been completed.
Additionally, a 220 kV transmission ring will be developed around the valley’s outer perimeter to enhance supply reliability. Pre-construction surveys and preparatory work for this transmission infrastructure have been completed.
The Lapsiphedi substation, currently under construction, will play a critical role in supplying electricity from hydropower projects in the Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi river basins to Kathmandu. It will operate at 400/220 kV, 220/132 kV, and 132/11 kV levels.
Key Initiatives to Modernize Power Supply
To ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply, several complementary projects are in progress, including construction of new substations, automation of existing substations, undergrounding of power lines, and expansion and reinforcement of feeders and transformers.
Progress on Major Substations
Mulpani Substation (132/11 kV): Located in Kageshwari Manohara Municipality, this substation is in its final stage of construction. Once completed, it will improve power supply in Jorpati, Thimi, Sano Thimi, Pepsicola, and surrounding areas through eight 11 kV feeders. It is expected to be operational by mid-April.
Futung Substation (132/11 kV): This substation will be connected to the Balaju-Chapali 132 kV double circuit transmission line to improve electricity supply in Balaju, Nepaltar, Goldhunga, and nearby areas. It is expected to be operational within two months.
Chobhar Substation (132/11 kV): Developed as an alternative to the delayed Thankot-Chapagaun-Bhaktapur 132 kV transmission line, which faced local opposition in Khokana, Bungamati, and Harisiddhi, the Chobhar substation will receive electricity from Matatirtha and is scheduled for completion by mid-July.
Lagankhel Substation (132 kV Upgrade): Power from Chobhar will be transmitted via an underground 132 kV line along the Ring Road to Lagankhel, where the existing substation is being upgraded to 132 kV. Future plans include extending underground lines to Chapagaun and Harisiddhi to strengthen power distribution in southern Kathmandu.
Government and International Support
The transmission and distribution system upgrade is being carried out with investment from the Nepal Government and NEA, along with concessional financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the World Bank.
During an inspection of the under-construction substations on Friday, NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising emphasized the urgency of expediting these projects.
