The government has begun making alternative arrangements after around 430 MW of electricity was disconnected from the national transmission system following damage caused by the Bhotekoshi flood to several hydropower projects and transmission infrastructure.
The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) has started preparations for alternative power supply systems after electricity transmitted through the Trishuli Corridor to Balaju and Chapali in Kathmandu was disrupted.
Following the interruption of power supply from the Trishuli Corridor, the Balaju and Chapali transmission lines have come under increased pressure. MoEWRI spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shakya said the ministry has initiated preparations for alternative supply arrangements, while the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is carrying out related work through a taskforce.
On Tuesday, the MoEWRI held discussions with the Department of Roads and Kathmandu Metropolitan City on the construction of additional underground power grids.
According to Shakya, the NEA has moved forward with plans to construct additional underground grids as an alternative arrangement for meeting electricity demand during the winter. Discussions were held with the Department of Roads and Kathmandu Metropolitan City to coordinate the construction work.
Kathmandu Division Chief of the Department of Roads Subodh Devkota expressed the department’s commitment to providing the necessary support and cooperation for the construction of the underground grids.
Similarly, KMC Department of Public Works Chief Suresh Kumar Rai said the metropolitan city would coordinate with the NEA to facilitate the installation of underground cables along footpaths.
Chief of the NEA’s Bagmati Distribution and Customer Service Directorate, Munindra Thakur, presented a plan on load management in Kathmandu and outlined measures being taken to address the expected increase in winter electricity demand.
NEA Board Member Anshu Kiran Shahi emphasized the need for close cooperation among government agencies and other concerned bodies to manage electricity demand in Kathmandu during the winter.
