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Electricity supply was disrupted in Kathmandu Valley and the central region of the country on Friday after both circuits of the Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV transmission line developed problems while several 132 kV transmission lines were under scheduled shutdown for stringing work.

According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the Hetauda-Amlekhgunj and Kamane-Amlekhgunj 132 kV transmission lines had been shut down from 6:40 am for stringing work related to the under-construction Hetauda-Dhalkebar 400 kV transmission line.

During the shutdown, the power system was being operated through the Dhalkebar-Khurkot-Khimti-Bhaktapur-Syuchatar transmission corridor.

At 8:52 am, Circuit 1 of the Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV transmission line tripped after a conductor snapped. Circuit 2 of the same line also tripped at 9:18 am, disconnecting the transmission link and resulting in power disruptions in Kathmandu Valley and the central region, the NEA said.

The NEA then used an alternative transmission route to restore electricity supply.

Electricity supply in Kathmandu Valley was restored at 9:44 am through the alternative arrangement, according to the NEA.

A technical team is currently conducting an on-site inspection of the affected transmission system and carrying out necessary repair and maintenance works.

The NEA said efforts were underway to identify the cause of the problem and bring the transmission system back into regular operation.