The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is constructing six 132/11 kV substations at various locations in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur to enhance the adequacy, reliability, quality, and safety of electricity transmission and distribution within the valley. Among these, the Teku substation in Kathmandu is already operational. The Futung and Mulpani substations are in their final stages, with work underway to bring them into operation within two months. The Changunarayan substation in Bhaktapur has been completed. The Chobhar substation is expected to be operational by June, while the Thimi substation in Bhaktapur will be completed within eight months.
Each substation has a capacity of 90 MVA. Once all are completed and operational, the infrastructure will be capable of handling 500 MW of electricity, meeting the Kathmandu Valley’s current demand. To address future demand, the NEA has set a 2050 deadline and is advancing plans for phased construction of transmission and distribution infrastructure in key areas of the valley. With peak electricity demand projected to reach 3,100 MW by 2050, the NEA is developing 20 new substations at 220, 132, 33, and 11 kV levels.
Land has been acquired for these substations, and preliminary work, including surveying, has been completed to construct a 220 kV transmission ring around Kathmandu Valley’s perimeter. The Lapsiphedi substation, currently under construction, will supply electricity to the valley from hydropower projects in the Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi river basins.
To improve the reliability, quality, and modernization of Kathmandu Valley’s electricity supply, the NEA is implementing various projects, including the construction of new substations, automation of existing ones, underground cabling, and the addition and strengthening of feeders and transformers.
NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising inspected the substations under construction on Friday, urging their timely completion to meet growing electricity demand. He emphasized that once these substations are operational, electricity demand management and supply in Kathmandu will become significantly more efficient and reliable.
To enhance electricity supply in the southeastern region of Kathmandu, the construction of a 132/11 kV substation in Mulpani, Kageshwori Manohara Municipality, is in its final stage. The Chapali-Bhaktapur 132 kV transmission line will be connected to the Mulpani substation, ensuring electricity distribution. Eight 11 kV feeders from the substation will supply power to areas such as Jadibuti, Pepsicola, Kandaghari, Gothatar, Mulpani, Jorpati, Sankhu, and Thimi. Work is underway to make the substation operational by March.
The construction of a 132/11 kV substation in Futung is also in its final stages. The Balaju-Chapali 132 kV double circuit transmission line will be tapped at the Futung substation to supply electricity to the surrounding areas. Once operational, power supply to Balaju, Nepaltar, Goldhunga, and other areas will improve.
A 132/11 kV substation has also been constructed in Chobhar, Kathmandu, following disruptions in construction at Khokana, Bungmati, Harisiddhi, and Lamatar under the Thankot-Chapagaun-Bhaktapur 132 kV transmission line, a crucial project for improving Kathmandu Valley’s electricity supply. The substation will receive electricity from the Matatirtha Substation, with work progressing to make it operational by June.
Additionally, a 132 kV underground transmission line will be built from the Chobhar Substation along the Ring Road to connect with the Lagankhel Substation in Lalitpur, which is being upgraded to 132 kV. The underground line will later extend to Chapagaun and Harisiddhi.
