The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has decided to provide electricity through alternative arrangements for the construction of the Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Fast Track. This includes the road sections in Mandu Maltabesi of Bhimphedi Rural Municipality-8 and Sisneri Kogate of Indrasarobar Rural Municipality-3 in Makwanpur district.

To prevent disruptions to the Fast Track construction due to electricity shortages, the NEA is working on alternative measures to ensure prompt power supply. Notably, the electricity supply for residents in the area remains unaffected.

The NEA plans to supply the necessary electricity for the construction of structures like bridges, gallery tunnels, and tunnels in the Mandu Maltabesi and Sisneri Kogate sections of the Fast Track. The project requires approximately 12 MW of electricity, with construction divided into four packages in the area.

Alternative Supply Plan

Under the alternative arrangement:

1. Kulekhani I Hydro Plant’s Dorsing Line: A previously operational 66 kV line from Dorsing to Mandu will be repurposed and operated at 11 kV.

2. Power Transformer Deployment: A 22.5 MVA power transformer in reserve in Kathmandu will be transported to the Dorsing substation, installed there, and used to supply electricity to the Fast Track.

Currently, the 5 MVA power transformer at the Dorsing substation is running at full capacity for local electricity needs. Therefore, an additional higher-capacity transformer will be installed to meet the increased demand.

Damage from Floods and Landslides

The Mandu Hydropower Company’s 22 MW Bagmati Khola Small Hydropower Project sustained significant damage to its powerhouse and structures during floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall on September 28-29, 2024. This halted electricity production, disrupting power supply to the Fast Track section. The flood also swept away the switchyard and power transformer installed by the NEA at the project site.

Previously, electricity generated from this project was transmitted via a 66 kV line to Dorsing and a 33 kV line to the Malta substation in Lalitpur. The Fast Track received power through an 11 kV line from the Malta substation, which also connected to the 2 MW Khanikhola Hydropower Project in Lalitpur. However, the floods also damaged the Khanikhola project, leaving the Malta substation without a power source, resulting in a power outage for the Fast Track.

Current Efforts and Inspections

After the Nepal Army reported construction delays due to power shortages, a high-level team led by NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising and Deputy Managing Director Manoj Silwal inspected the Mandu Maltabesi area on Monday. The team visited the reconstruction sites of the Bagmati Khola Small Hydropower Project and Dorsing substation and discussed immediate options for power supply with relevant officials.

Reconstruction of the hydropower projects is expected to be completed by March 2025, after which electricity supply will resume under the original arrangements. Until then, alternative measures will be implemented.

Managing Director Ghising emphasized the importance of preventing delays in the national pride project, stating, “The work on this project should not be hindered due to a lack of electricity. Alternative measures must be taken until the damaged hydropower projects resume production. Let’s start work immediately.”

Deputy Managing Director Silwal instructed the chiefs of the Palung and Hetauda distribution centers to expedite necessary local tasks for restoring the line.