Nepal's state-owned National Transmission Grid Company (NTGC) is in the final stages of securing private sector participation in the construction of two critical transmission line projects: the 400 kV Hetauda-Shitalpati line and the 220 kV Lamabagar–Barhabise line. A senior NTGC official confirmed the development, indicating that agreements with private firms are expected to be signed within the coming month.

In December, the NTGC issued a public notice inviting expressions of interest for the development of these transmission lines through public-private partnerships. Six companies submitted proposals by February. However, formal agreements have yet to be signed due to ongoing negotiations over shareholding structures, partnership models, and the potential inclusion of additional firms.

“We’ve taken time to finalise key aspects such as equity distribution and implementation modalities, which have caused some delays,” said NTGC Secretary Rajesh Pokhrel. “Now we’re in the final preparatory stage, and we plan to sign agreements by next month.”

Four private companies have submitted applications for the construction of the Hetauda–Shitalpati 400 kV transmission line. These companies include White Flower Energy Pvt. Ltd., Api Power Company Ltd., Summit Energy Solution Pvt. Ltd., and Shangrila Energy Ltd. Similarly, two companies have expressed interest in partnering on the Lamabagar–Barhabise 220 kV transmission line: NASA Company Ltd. and Sanima Hydropower.

White Flower Energy Pvt. Ltd. is the developer of the 40.7 MW Chhujung Khola Hydropower Project, while Api Power Company Ltd. is currently developing the 125 MW Lower Barun Khola Hydropower Project. Summit Energy Solution Pvt. Ltd. is promoting the 44 MW Bakan Khola Hydropower Project, and Shangrila Energy Ltd. has included the 63 MW Chhujung Khola Hydropower Project in its portfolio.

For the Lamabagar-Barhabise 220 kV line, two applicants have come forward: NASA Company Ltd, the developer of the 160 MW Lapche Khola Hydropower Project, and Sanima Hydropower, the promoter of the Jum Khola Hydropower Project.

The Hetauda-Shitalpati transmission line, which will serve as a shared infrastructure corridor for hydropower projects along the Upper Arun River and its tributaries, is estimated to cost around NPR 9 billion. The Lamabagar-Barhabise line is projected to require an investment of approximately NPR 5 billion.

These projects are part of a broader national strategy to improve power evacuation capacity and integrate new hydropower generation into Nepal's grid, which is critical as the country ramps up clean energy production to meet domestic demand and export targets.