PM launches project to move valley’s overhead electric cables underground

KATHMANDU, Feb 17: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli Monday launched a project to move the overhead electric cables of the Kathmandu Valley underground.

Under the first phase of the project, the electric, telephone and internet cables in Maharajgunj and Ratnapark areas will be moved underground.

The government plans to manage the overhead cables of other parts of the city in the next phases.

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is executing the project at the direction of Energy, Water Resource and Irrigation Ministry.

“Once the work of moving the overhead cables underground is over, the city will look beautiful,” said PM Oli after inaugurating the project in Maharajgunj.

According to NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising, they are planning to install the optical fiber of 11,000 voltage capacity in 250 kilometers area covering Baluwatar, Panipokhari, Budanilkantha, Tokha, Gongabu, Samakhusi, Dhapasi, Basundhara, Shivapuri, Chunikhel, Sukedhara, Dharmasthali and Teaching hospital.

Likewise, 400 kilometers of cables from the areas including Ratnapark, Bagbazar, Putalisadak, New Road, Anamnagar, Jamal, Lainchaur, Thamel, Naksal, Sorakhutte, Tripureshwar, Teku, Thapathali, Maitighar, Sindhadurbar, Lazimpat, Gaushala, Tribhuvan International Airport, Baneshwor, Chabahil, Boudhha, Jorpati will go underground under the project. 200 km optical fiber will be installed in the area.

According to Ghising, the government is spending around Rs 7 billion for the project.