In a significant move to enhance Nepal’s electricity transmission infrastructure, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has formally invited the private sector to submit proposals for constructing four major transmission lines. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to open up the power sector to private investment and meet growing energy demands through public-private partnerships (PPP).
According to a public notice issued on Sunday, the NEA is seeking Expressions of Interest (EoI) from private companies to design, build, and operate high-voltage transmission corridors. These projects will follow the Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, where private developers will eventually transfer ownership to the government after a defined operational period. The selection process will be based on annual required revenue-based competitive bidding.
The planned projects include:
- 80 km stretch of 400 kV New Khimti–Dhalkebar transmission line, estimated at USD 80 million
- 94 km stretch from Arun Hub in Sitalpati to Inaruwa, also estimated at USD 80 million
- 118 km stretch of 400 kV Tingla–Dudhkoshi–Dhalkebar line, with an estimated cost of USD 142 million
- 30 km stretch of 220 kV Lapsifedi–Teenpiple line, projected to cost USD 18 million
This marks a continuation of the government’s 2024 policy reform to end NEA’s monopoly in power infrastructure development. For the first time in December 2024, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation signed agreements with private firms to jointly develop transmission lines. The current call for private participation further builds on this shift in approach.
These developments are integral to Nepal’s ambitious energy goals. The Energy Development Roadmap targets the generation of 13,000 MW by 2030 and 28,500 MW by 2035, aimed at bolstering domestic consumption and exports to neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh. To achieve this, the country will require massive investment—Rs 6 trillion by 2030, Rs 7 trillion more by 2035, and Rs 9.1 trillion by 2040—specifically for the construction and upgrading of transmission lines.
NEA’s proactive step to engage private companies is not only a move toward accelerating infrastructure development but also a recognition of the critical role the private sector can play in building a more resilient, efficient, and export-ready energy system for Nepal.
