The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has brought the Kohalpur–Surkhet 132 kV transmission line back into operation. With the restoration of the line, the low-voltage problem that had been affecting Karnali Province is expected to be resolved, resulting in a more reliable and higher-quality electricity supply, according to the NEA.
Power transmission through the line had been completely disrupted after a devastating windstorm on May 6, 2026, damaged Towers No. 44 and 45 located in the Shreekrishna Buffer Zone Community Forest within Bardiya National Park at Chisapani, Baijanath Rural Municipality-1, Banke District.
The damage occurred when a large sal tree, approximately 30 meters long and located outside the transmission line right-of-way, fell onto the towers and conductors during the storm. Following the completion of reconstruction and repair works on the damaged structures, the 132 kV transmission line was successfully restored and brought back into operation from the afternoon of June 14, 2026, the NEA stated.
During the period when the transmission line was out of service, electricity supply to Surkhet and several other districts of Karnali Province was managed through the Kohalpur–Surkhet 33 kV transmission line.
According to the Nepal Electricity Authority, with the restoration of the 132 kV transmission line, districts including Surkhet, Dailekh, Kalikot, Jumla, Mugu, and West Rukum are expected to receive more reliable and higher-quality electricity supply through the national grid. The restoration is also expected to improve voltage levels and enhance the overall reliability of the power system.
Similarly, the Nepal Electricity Authority stated that the restored transmission line will enable electricity generated in the Karnali region to be integrated more effectively into the national grid. As a result, the quality and reliability of electricity services are expected to improve significantly not only in Karnali Province but also in the districts of Banke and Bardiya.
NepalPurbadhar
