NEA Tests Dhalkebar–Balaganga and Markichok–Bharatpur Transmission Lines

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Kathmandu – The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has reached the final stage of integrating two major transmission lines into the national power transmission system after completing their construction. High-voltage electricity will begin flowing through the Dhalkebar–Balaganga 132 kV Transmission Line and the Markichok–Bharatpur 220 kV Transmission Line, part of the Marsyangdi Corridor, for testing starting Tuesday (June 30, 2026).

The Dhalkebar–Balaganga 132 kV double-circuit transmission line, built with joint investment from the Government of Nepal and the NEA, extends from the Dhalkebar Substation in Dhanusha to the Balaganga Substation in Hanspur Municipality-1. The NEA said the line will be brought into permanent operation once the testing is successfully completed.

The transmission line passes through Bateshwar Rural Municipality-5, Laxminiya Rural Municipality Wards 3 and 6, Mithila Bihari Municipality Wards 8, 9 and 10, Aurahi Rural Municipality-1, and Hanspur Municipality Wards 1, 4 and 9 in Dhanusha District.

Similarly, construction of the Markichok–Bharatpur section of the Marsyangdi Corridor 220 kV Transmission Line Project has also been completed. The project was financed through a loan from the European Investment Bank, along with joint investment from the Government of Nepal and the NEA.

Testing will be carried out by energizing the 220 kV double-circuit transmission line between the New Marsyangdi Substation at Markichok in Tanahun and the New Bharatpur Substation at Aaptari in Chitwan through a single circuit. The line will be commissioned for permanent operation after the testing is completed successfully.

The transmission line route passes through Anbukhaireni Rural Municipality Wards 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Tanahun, the Yangkot area of Gorkha Municipality-14, and the Jugedi Chaukidanda area of Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29 and the Rigdikhola area of Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality-6 in Chitwan.

As high-voltage electricity will be flowing through both transmission lines during the testing period, the NEA has urged residents in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution. The authority has requested the public not to climb transmission towers, avoid touching transmission lines or electrical structures with any objects, stay away from tower areas unnecessarily, and keep children and livestock at a safe distance.

The NEA has also requested the public to immediately inform the nearest police post or any NEA office if electrical sparks or any other potentially hazardous situation is observed during the testing period.

Urjasanchar