Nepal Electricity Authority’s first move to develop four transmission line projects through the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding / BOOT model has introduced a new practice for private-sector participation in transmission infrastructure development. For these projects, 18 national and international companies and consortiums from Nepal, India, China, the USA and other countries have submitted Expressions of Interest (EOI).
The presence of Nepali private-sector companies and Nepal-led consortiums in this process is notable. It indicates that transmission infrastructure development is no longer limited to government-led execution, but is also beginning to connect with private investment, technical collaboration and industrial partnership.
Domestic and foreign companies have submitted proposals separately and through joint ventures for different transmission line projects. Nepali and Nepal-led participants include Power Transmission Company Nepal, High Himalaya Hydro Construction, Shivashree-Danfe Joint Venture, Sigma Construction and Hulas Steel Industries Limited, Universal-Mountain Consortium Nepal, Balephi Hydropower / Litmus Cable / Sharma & Company Consortium, Sharma & Company / Balephi / Litmus / Hulas Steel Joint Venture, Balephi Hydropower / Sharma & Company / Litmus Cable / JED Infra Joint Venture, Paradise Builders / Applied Engineering Nepal / Absolute Projects India Consortium, and K&A EPC / K&A Engineering / Cosmic Joint Venture USA-Nepal.
Among them, Power Transmission Company Nepal, High Himalaya Hydro Construction, Shivashree-Danfe Joint Venture, and Balephi Hydropower / Sharma & Company / Litmus Cable / JED Infra Joint Venture have submitted EOIs for TL-4. Balephi Hydropower / Litmus Cable / Sharma & Company Consortium has applied for TL-3, while Sharma & Company / Balephi / Litmus / Hulas Steel Joint Venture has applied for TL-2. Sigma Construction and Hulas Steel Industries Limited have submitted EOIs for TL-1, TL-3 and TL-4, while Universal-Mountain Consortium Nepal has shown interest in TL-3 and TL-4.
The participation of Nepali companies shows that the capacity, confidence and competitive presence of domestic industry in transmission infrastructure development is expanding. As transmission infrastructure becomes a national priority alongside power generation, this participation of Nepal’s private sector is a positive signal for the country’s long-term energy infrastructure development.
Among international participants, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has applied for TL-1, TL-2 and TL-3, while Ashoka Buildcon Limited has applied for TL-1 and TL-2. Techno-Enterprisen / Rausina Industry / Anand Solar India has shown interest in TL-1, TL-3 and TL-4, while Viviana Power Tech India has shown interest in TL-3 and TL-4. Companies including Risonia Limited, Megha Engineering & Infrastructures, TBEA and China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation are also participating in the process.
Under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding / BOOT model, the selected developer will be responsible for the detailed study, financial management, construction, operation and maintenance of the transmission line. After the defined operation period, the infrastructure will be handed over to Nepal Electricity Authority. The selection of companies will be based not on nationality, but on technical capability, financial management, project understanding and competitive transmission service charges.
Among the four projects advanced by NEA, the Sitalpati (Arun Hub)-Inaruwa 400 kV transmission line will be approximately 95 kilometers long. Extending from Sankhuwasabha to Sunsari, the line is expected to support the evacuation of around 4,400 MW of electricity from hydropower projects under construction and proposed in the Arun corridor.
The Tingla-New Khimti-Sunkoshi Hub-Dhalkebar 400 kV transmission line will be approximately 134 kilometers long. It will connect Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap, Dolakha, Sindhuli and Dhanusha districts and is estimated to have the capacity to carry around 4,080 MW of electricity.
Similarly, the Dandakhet-Burtibang 132 kV transmission line will be approximately 33 kilometers long, connecting Myagdi and Baglung. Its carrying capacity is estimated at around 250 MW. The Ridi-Tamghas 132 kV transmission line will be approximately 28 kilometers long, connecting Palpa and Gulmi, with an estimated carrying capacity of around 225 MW.
According to the EOI details, the Ridi-Tamghas project has received the highest interest, with 14 proposals submitted. The Dandakhet-Burtibang project received 12 proposals, the Sitalpati-Inaruwa project received 9 proposals, and the Tingla-New Khimti-Sunkoshi Hub-Dhalkebar project received 7 proposals.
In the next stage, the submitted EOIs will undergo technical and financial evaluation. Companies and consortiums shortlisted through the evaluation will be invited to participate in the Request for Proposal process. The final selection will be based on the most competitive annual transmission service charge.
Transmission infrastructure has now become a key priority for Nepal’s energy future. Even as hydropower generation increases, delays in transmission line development can affect power evacuation, domestic supply, industrial demand and cross-border electricity trade. Therefore, transmission line development has become an important issue linked to energy security, industrial expansion and national economic strategy.
This process offers an opportunity to make transmission infrastructure development more competitive, investment-ready and result-oriented. If clear project structures, transparent risk allocation and financially viable models are developed, private-sector participation can become effective for Nepal’s long-term energy infrastructure development.
