Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project Nears Completion, Power Generation Expected Within a Month

The 102-megawatt Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project, under the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), is set to begin generating power within the next month as construction nears its final stage.

Key works, including the installation of a 220 kV single circuit transmission line, are in the final phase, with workers expecting to complete fixing the electric wires within two weeks. The previously unresolved issue of the four-kilometer transmission line from the project’s switchyard in Bahrabise Municipality-5 to the NEA’s substation in Ward No. 3 has now been settled, allowing smooth progress.

The project’s main tunnel was completed in February, though repairs were necessary due to water leakage. Currently, the tunnel is being cleaned, and water will be supplied and filled in the tunnel in 15 days to prepare for equipment testing.

Civil construction of the powerhouse is complete, and electromechanical equipment has been fully installed. Once water is filled in the tunnel, the “wet test” of the equipment will commence.

State Minister for Energy, Purna Bahadur Tamang, and NEA Executive Director, Kul Man Ghising, recently inspected the site, urging the project team, consultants, and contractors to ensure completion within a month. Once operational, the power generated will be used to charge the NEA’s Bahrabise Substation.

The project is funded with 50% equity and 50% loan from the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), with NEA, Chilime Hydropower Company Limited, Sindhupalchowk Hydropower Company, and several other stakeholders as founding shareholders. Over 1 million general shareholders, including EPF contributors and members of affected communities, also hold stakes in the project.

The Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project is expected to generate 542.2 million units of electricity annually.