KATHMANDU: Within a month, the 102-megawatt Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project is expected to start producing electricity. The project, which is being developed by a division of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), is almost finished.

Within the next two weeks, it is anticipated that the 220 kV single circuit transmission line installation will be completed. The four-kilometer transmission line that runs from the project's switchyard in Bahrabise Municipality-5 to the NEA substation in ward 3 has been resolved.

Despite the fact that the main tunnel was finished in February of last year, several leaks in the water required repairs. The tunnel is currently being cleaned, and within the next fifteen days, water should be available.

The powerhouse's civil construction is finished, while the electromechanical equipment installation is still under progress. After the tunnel's water supply is established, the apparatus will undergo a "wet test."

State Minister for Energy Purna Bahadur Tamang and NEA Executive Director Kul Man Ghising inspected the project on Saturday. They urged project management, consultants, and contractors to ensure responsibilities are met within the month.

Upon the start of power generation, the NEA plans to supply electricity from the Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project to its Bahrabise Substation. 

The funding for the project was split evenly between equity and a loan from the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). 

Founding shareholders of the project include NEA, Chilime Hydropower Company Limited, Sindhupalchowk Hydropower Company, Nepal Araniko Hydropower Company, Sindhu Investment Company, and Sindhu Bhotekoshi Hydropower Company Limited.

In addition to these entities, over one million general shareholders comprise contributors from the EPF and affected community members. 

The project is anticipated to generate approximately 542.2 million units of power annually, contributing significantly to the local energy supply.

With the completion of this project, the NEA aims to enhance electricity availability in the region, supporting both local communities and the broader energy infrastructure in Nepal.