Floods Disrupt 200 MW Hydropower Generation in Kaligandaki Corridor

27th September 2026, Kathmandu

Unceasing rainfall, floods, and landslides have damaged transmission towers along the 220 kV Kaligandaki Corridor line, disrupting around 200 MW of hydroelectric power generation.

Floods Disrupt 200MW Hydropower

According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), key transmission towers between Dana in Myagdi and Kushma in Parbat were damaged, alongside grid faults in the Kushma–New Butwal section. The infrastructure breakdown has halted power evacuation from several connected hydropower plants, putting additional pressure on the national grid.

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Transmission Line Damage and Suspended Hydropower Projects

The physical damage to the regional power corridor has forced multiple hydropower facilities to halt generation and supply.

• Damaged Infrastructure: Towers 21 and 22 along the Dana–Kushma section sustained structural damage, with additional transmission line faults recorded on the Kushma–New Butwal corridor.
• Major Affected Plants: Production has stopped at major facilities, including Kaligandaki (140 MW), Upper Marsyangdi (50 MW), Middle Marsyangdi (70 MW), Marsyangdi (69 MW), Super Madi (44 MW), Seti River (40 MW), Upper Madi (25 MW), Upper Dordi (25 MW), and Narjun Madi (20 MW).
• Grid Impact: The loss of transmission capabilities combined with flood-induced plant shutdowns has created significant operational challenges across the national power grid.

NEA Response, Technical Deployment, and Safety Protocols

The Nepal Electricity Authority has mobilized technical teams to evaluate structural damage and begin restoration efforts.

• Deployment Status: NEA Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha stated that technical personnel, equipment, and repair materials are being dispatched to affected sites as road conditions permit.
• Access Obstacles: Continuous heavy rain, landslides, and blocked access roads are hindering technical crews from reaching several damaged tower locations. Rapid restoration will commence once road access is cleared.
• Alternative Rerouting: NEA is attempting to restore electricity to affected consumer regions using available distribution structures and alternative feeders where feasible.
• Public Advisory: Consumers and the general public have been strongly advised to stay clear of fallen power lines, damaged electrical poles, and flood-damaged infrastructure to avoid electrical hazards.

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