The 102-megawatt Middle Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project, situated in Sindhupalchok, is poised to commence commercial electricity production. Developed under the guidance of a subsidiary of the Nepal Electricity Authority utilizing local resources and expertise, the project is set to connect to the national grid via the New Khimti 400 kV substation and the Dhalkebar transmission line. Although physical construction was completed several months ago, the initiation of power generation has been postponed due to delays in finalizing the necessary transmission infrastructure.
During its development, the project encountered numerous formidable challenges, including significant natural calamities like the 2014 Jure landslide, the 2015 earthquake, various floods affecting the Bhotekoshi River, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Further postponements arose from the 2015 border blockade and the underperformance of the civil and hydromechanical contractor. In spite of these hurdles, final inspections have been carried out, and essential safety protocols—such as tunnel leakage assessments and flood protection measures—are being enacted to ensure long-term operational stability.
With an anticipated annual output of 542.2 million kilowatt-hours, the project is expected to yield approximately Rs. 2.8 billion through electricity sales to NEA at seasonal tariffs. Initially estimated at Rs. 12.28 billion, the total cost of the project has escalated to Rs. 15.03 billion. Supported by over 1,075,000 public investors, this initiative represents a significant achievement in Nepal’s hydropower advancement and its journey towards energy self-sufficiency.
