The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is making alternative arrangements to provide electricity for the construction of the Kathmandu-Tarai-Madhes Fast Track in Mandu Maltabesi of Bhimphedi Rural Municipality-8 and Sisneri Kogate of Indrasarobar Rural Municipality-3, Makawanpur after the power supply to those areas was disrupted by landslides and heavy rainfall in late September.

NEA has assured that the construction of bridges, tunnels and other structures along the fast track will continue uninterrupted. The power supply to local residents remains unaffected, according to NEA officials.

The fast track construction requires approximately 12 MW of electricity, with work ongoing in four separate packages. To meet the demand, NEA has activated an alternative arrangement, including operating the Makwanpur-based Kulekhani First Hydropower Station to supply electricity from Dhorsing to Mandu via an 11 kV line.

Additionally, NEA plans to install a 22.5 MVA power transformer at the Dhorsing substation to supply the required electricity. This is necessary because the current 5 MVA transformer at Dhorsing is running at full capacity, limiting additional power supply.

The 22 MW Bagmatikhola Small Hydropower Project, operated by Mandu Hydropower, remains non-operational after floods and landslides in September washed away its switchyard and damaged equipment, including an NEA-installed power transformer. The project, which transmitted electricity via 66 kV and 33 kV lines to the Dhorsing and Malta substations in Lalitpur, is yet to resume operations.

NEA's swift response aims to ensure that this national pride project progresses without significant delays.