Alternative power supply for Fast Track construction initiated

December 31, 2024, 01:24:21 PM |

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has announced alternative measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track construction project in the Makwanpur district. This initiative focuses on the roads spanning Bhimphedi Rural Municipality-8, Mandu Maltabensi, and Indrasarobar Rural Municipality-3, Sisneri Kogate.

The NEA has expedited efforts to provide electricity through alternative arrangements to avoid disruptions in the construction of critical infrastructure, including bridges, gallery tunnels, and other structures in the Mandu Maltabensi and Sisneri Kogate areas. The Fast Track project requires an estimated 12 MW of electricity, divided into four construction packages.

Alternative Arrangements to Prevent Delays

To address the power shortages, the NEA plans to repurpose the existing 66 kV line from the Kulekhani Hydropower Plant in Dhorsing by converting it into an 11 kV line. Additionally, a 22.5 MVA power transformer currently in reserve in Kathmandu will be installed at the Dhorsing Substation to supply electricity for the Fast Track.

The existing 5 MVA power transformer at the Dhorsing Substation is running at full capacity, primarily serving local electricity needs. To prevent overload, NEA will install a higher-capacity transformer to meet the additional demand.

Challenges from Natural Disasters

The Fast Track project faced power supply disruptions following severe floods and landslides on September 27-28, which damaged critical infrastructure, including the Bagmati River Small Hydropower Project, operated by Mandu Hydropower Ltd. The floods washed away the switchyard and power transformers, halting electricity production.

Before the disaster, electricity was supplied to the Fast Track through an 11 kV line from the Malta Substation in Lalitpur. However, the flood also damaged the Khani Khola Hydropower Project, cutting off the electricity source for the Malta Substation. Reconstruction of both hydropower projects is underway, with completion targeted for March 2025.

Inspection and Immediate Steps

Following reports from the Nepal Army about construction delays due to power shortages, NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising and a high-level team inspected the Mandu Maltabensi area on Monday. The team assessed the progress of the Bagmati River Small Hydropower Project’s reconstruction and explored immediate alternatives to restore electricity supply.

Director Ghising emphasized the urgency of interim solutions until the hydropower projects are operational. “We cannot let a national pride project face delays due to power shortages. Until the hydropower facilities are restored, we must implement alternative measures to ensure progress,” he stated.

Deputy Executive Director Manoj Silwal directed the heads of the Palung and Hetauda Distribution Centers to expedite local repairs and restoration work to address immediate power needs.

Fiscal Nepal |

Tuesday December 31, 2024, 01:24:21 PM |