Transmission line repairs begin in Myagdi and Mustang after floods

Maintenance work started on electricity transmission infrastructure serving Annapurna Rural Municipality and Mustang. Heavy downpours caused the Kaligandaki River to flood, leading to the collapse of four towers belonging to the 220 kV Dana-Khurkot transmission line. The damage occurred across specific locations including Bhirkate, Pokharebagar, Dhirchyang, and Doba. The disruption cut off six regional hydropower projects totaling 176 megawatts in capacity from connecting to the central electrical grid. Hemraj Chapagain, head of the Tatopani Distribution Center under the Nepal Electricity Authority, explained that direct electricity supply from the Dana substation is temporarily impossible due to the downed infrastructure. Authorities have mobilized a workforce consisting of utility staff and private contractors to fix the damaged sections. Teams are actively repairing an alternative 33 kV transmission line stretching from Milanchowk through Dana toward Kobang in Mustang to restore services. While distribution networks inside Mustang remain largely intact, a 1.5-kilometer stretch between Begkhola and Tiplyang was completely eroded by floodwaters, taking utility poles and wiring with it. Repair materials are transported by vehicles to Beni before being carried manually by porters to the remote work sites.