Electricity supply through underground distribution system begins in Pokhara

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has commenced supplying electricity through an underground distribution system in Pokhara, a major tourist city.

Under the Pokhara-Bharatpur Distribution System Strengthening Project, the electricity distribution system (overhead wires) has been upgraded to an underground, reinforced, and automated system. Customers in the project area are now receiving electricity through this new system.

In the first phase, the distribution line from the Kundhar 132/11 kV substation in Pokhara has been laid underground, extending westward to Amar Singh Chowk, Buddha Chowk, and up to the Seti River Bridge section. Approximately 300 customers in this area are now receiving electricity through the underground system.

In coordination with the Muglin-Pokhara Road Expansion Project, the transmission and distribution lines have been laid underground, and the overhead lines and poles in the area have been removed. With the wires now underground, the previously cluttered and unsightly appearance of the area has been significantly improved, enhancing the city’s beauty.

Initially, only the distribution system up to the Kundhar substation was planned to be underground. However, to ensure that tourists do not see tangled wires upon leaving Pokhara International Airport, the project was extended to cover the area up to the airport’s main entrance.

Kulman Ghising, Executive Director of NEA, monitored the progress of the underground distribution system and directed the authorities to begin electricity supply in the completed areas and remove overhead structures.

Executive Director Ghising also inspected the ongoing work in Pokhara’s main tourist areas, including Lakeside and the airport. He instructed the NEA Gandaki Provincial Office and the project team to coordinate with the metropolitan city, road office, and other relevant bodies to expedite the remaining work in Lakeside and ensure electricity supply through the underground system.

Under the Pokhara Distribution Center, the 11 kV and 400-volt lines in Pokhara’s main city and along the roads are being laid underground, and optical fiber cables are being installed in these areas. Project Chief Anand Subedi reported that the overall construction progress in the Pokhara area has reached 54%. He added that since most of the work in the Lakeside street area has been completed, electricity supply through the underground system will begin there soon.

With the installation of optical fiber alongside electrical cables, internet, telecommunications, and cable TV service providers will be able to use the optical fiber to deliver their services. Compared to the current overhead distribution system, the underground system is safer, eliminates the unsightly appearance of wires, and helps maintain the city’s aesthetic appeal.

Since the underground distribution system is not affected by wind, rain, or birds, the electricity supply will be more reliable, high-quality, and secure. This will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and damage to life and property caused by electrical hazards.

The Pokhara-Bharatpur Distribution System Strengthening Project is being implemented with investment from NEA and concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank. A contract worth $16.7 million and NPR 496.8 million was signed with Tata Projects Ltd., India, in Ashoj 2078 (September 2021) for the project’s construction. The goal is to complete the work in the Pokhara area by the upcoming month of Shrawan (July/August 2025).