The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has reported that construction of the 400 kV Barhabise substation in Sindhupalchowk has reached 70 per cent completion.
This substation is key to transmitting electricity from hydroelectric projects on the Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi rivers into Nepal’s national transmission system. The 220/132 kV and 132/11 kV substations at the site have already been completed, with equipment testing successfully conducted.
The 400 kV substation includes a gas-insulated system whose equipment has been delivered. Ongoing work includes the installation of power transformers, civil structures, and construction of the control room and GIS housing. Installation is set to begin once these facilities are ready, with completion targeted for mid-May 2025. The substation is part of the broader 400 kV Khimti–Barhabise–Lapsiphedi project, which includes three substations. The Khimti–Barhabise transmission line is nearing completion, with 117 of 118 towers erected and 36 km of stringing finished. It is expected to be operational by February 2025. Progress is also being made on the 46-km Barhabise–Lapsiphedi section, with 117 of 122 towers erected and 42 km of stringing completed.