Markichowk substation now operational

The 132/33 kV substation constructed in Markichowk, Tanahun, has officially come into operation. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) recently completed the substation’s construction, marking the conclusion of the Madhyamsyangdi-Dumre-Damauli 132 kV transmission line project. Additionally, the Madhyamsyangdi-Damauli-Marsyangdi 132 kV double circuit transmission line is now operational.

The commissioning of the Markichowk Substation is expected to significantly reduce issues such as voltage drops, frequent line trips, and voltage loss in Gorkha, according to Kulman Ghising, Executive Director of NEA. He explained that electricity was previously supplied to Gorkha through a 33 kV line via Damauli-Dumre-Ambukhaireni, which presented challenges due to the long distance. With the new substation, electricity will now flow from Markichowk to Gorkha via Ambukhaireni, shortening the 33 kV line, reducing system leakage, improving voltage stability, and ensuring a more reliable supply.

Ghising also noted that electricity from the 132 kV line at Markichowk Substation can be stepped up to 220 kV through the 132/220 kV substation under construction as part of the Marsyangdi-Matatirtha 220 kV transmission line project. This ongoing project includes the development of a 132/220 kV substation at Markichowk itself.

The project, initiated in fiscal year 2012/13, involved a contract with the Chinese company Pinggao Group Co Ltd. The scope included constructing the Markichowk Substation, expanding GIS bays at Madhyamsyangdi and Damauli substations by one and two, respectively, and adding GIS bays at Lower Marsyangdi. The total estimated cost, funded by the Government of Nepal, NEA, and a concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank, was Rs 600m. According to project chief Shah, the construction was completed within the estimated budget.

The NEA is pursuing a nationwide campaign to build new substations and expand the distribution system to provide quality and reliable electricity. Following the successful elimination of load-shedding in Nepal, the NEA plans to construct and upgrade 30 grid substations and 20 distribution substations during the current fiscal year. Additionally, the authority aims to complete 600 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 8,000 circuit kilometers of distribution lines within this period.

The government has also adopted a policy of developing high-capacity transmission lines to ensure a consistent power supply for existing and upcoming industrial areas and corridors. To support this, the NEA is actively upgrading substations, building new transmission lines, and strengthening the overall power distribution network.