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The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda, who is on an official visit to Nepal, has inaugurated two power substations. President Kanda virtually inaugurated the Markichok and Mulpani substations.

The substations were jointly inaugurated by Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, Norwegian Ambassador to Nepal Dagny Mjos, and President Kanda.

With the two substations now in operation, they are expected to make electricity supply more reliable and of higher quality in the Kathmandu Valley and other major areas with high electricity demand.

President Kanda expressed confidence that the substations would significantly enhance the capacity of the power distribution system, improve the stability of electricity supply, and strengthen the overall reliability of the power network.

President Kanda also visited the Nepal Electricity Authority's Distribution Command and Control Center and the Data Center built with ADB's financial support. He noted that such infrastructure plays a vital role in modernizing and improving the reliability of Nepal's electricity system.

Following his visit to the Data Center, President Kanda said that real-time monitoring of the electricity system and effective data management would further strengthen Nepal's power network.

He added that the development of such infrastructure is laying the foundation for expanding Nepal's clean energy sector and facilitating cross-border electricity trade. ADB reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Nepal's clean energy development, expansion of energy infrastructure, and stronger regional energy cooperation across South Asia.

The 132 kV Mulpani Substation and the 220 kV Markichok Substation were completed with the objective of making Nepal's electricity transmission system stronger, more reliable, and more efficient.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Shrestha expressed confidence that the operation of the Mulpani 132 kV and Markichok 220 kV substations would significantly strengthen Nepal's electricity transmission system. He said that expanding transmission infrastructure would not only improve the quality of electricity supply but also help meet the country's growing energy demand.

The minister further stated that continued investment in the energy sector and the development of modern infrastructure would enhance Nepal's energy security, contributing to economic prosperity, industrial development, and the achievement of sustainable development goals.

He reiterated the government's commitment to accelerating the expansion of energy infrastructure, modernizing the transmission system, and ensuring reliable electricity supply as part of its vision of building a "Prosperous Nepal."

With ADB's support, Nepal is implementing various projects to strengthen its transmission and distribution systems, construct substations, develop smart power systems, and expand energy infrastructure. The commissioning of the Markichok and Mulpani substations is regarded as a significant milestone in these ongoing efforts.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Kanda arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday night along with senior ADB officials. He was accompanied by Sona Shrestha, Director General of ADB's South Asia Department, who is a Nepali citizen.

Kanda also visited Vishwa Niketan School in Tripureshwor. Nepal and the ADB are expected to sign a US$50 million loan agreement, with the funds to be used for modernizing the customs administration and facilitating trade.

On Tuesday, Kanda is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who has maintained a strict diplomatic protocol in meetings with domestic leaders and senior officials. The Prime Minister's decision not to hold private meetings with foreign diplomats or senior international officials has been praised by many as an effort to uphold the dignity of the state and adhere to diplomatic protocol.

Kanda met with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle on Monday before his scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Shah on Tuesday.

With total financial assistance of US$3.9 billion, the ADB is Nepal's largest development partner. In a post on the social media platform X, Kanda wrote, "We will help transform Nepal's resilience into sustainable progress, create more opportunities, and build the foundation for long-term growth."

ADB President Kanda said the bank is committed to helping Nepal create opportunities for development and progress. Arriving in Kathmandu as the Balendra Shah government formulates new economic policy priorities, he also praised Nepal's resilience and its capacity to overcome challenges.