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The process of acquiring land required for the long-stalled GIS substation construction in Balkumari has been completed. With Monday’s Cabinet meeting approving the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to use around 4 ropanis of land owned by the Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Limited (KVWSL), the project is expected to move forward.

It has been stated that the land acquisition process was concluded through the initiative of Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. Although a high-capacity GIS substation had been planned in the area to strengthen, make reliable, and ensure a sustainable electricity distribution system in Kathmandu and Lalitpur, the project had been halted for more than four years due to lack of land.

With the land issue now resolved, construction is expected to proceed. The substation, estimated to cost around NPR 2 billion, will be built with loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

According to the NEA, an underground transmission line from Thimi in Bhaktapur will be connected to the GIS substation in Balkumari and then linked to the Teku substation. Once completed, the project is expected to play a significant role in meeting the increasing electricity demand over the next five years.

Similarly, an agreement has been reached for the NEA to provide electricity free of cost for a wastewater treatment plant that KVWSL plans to establish in the same area. In return, arrangements have been made for the NEA to utilize 3 ropanis, 13 aana, and 2 paisa of land for 25 years.

With the land acquisition process completed, preparations are underway to soon invite bids for construction.

Jalasarokar