Kathmandu, November 19
New Road now appears cleaner and more organised after the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) began supplying electricity through an underground distribution system. In response, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has started removing unnecessary poles and wires.
According to NEA spokesperson Chandan Ghosh, the underground electricity distribution system is now operational in several areas of the Kathmandu Valley. As part of this initiative, unnecessary poles, transformers, and other wires are being removed from locations where the system has been implemented.
The NEA has already completed the construction of underground distribution systems in multiple areas, including Pepsicola-Jadibuti, Lainchaur-Narayangopal Chowk, Chucchepati-Chabahil-Mitrapark, Kalanki-Tripureshwor, Kalimati-Balkhu, Kirtipur-Ring Road, and Samakhushi Town Planning.
On May 17, the NEA issued a notice instructing the removal of internet cables, optical fibres, CCTV cameras, streetlights, and other equipment from overhead structures within six months. It warned that it would not be responsible for any damage caused during the removal of these structures if the deadline was not met.
“We gave a six-month deadline through a public notice. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has proactively started removing unused poles and structures. If other local governments follow suit, the work could progress as it has in New Road,” said Ghosh, acknowledging KMC’s cooperation despite the project being under NEA’s jurisdiction.
Rajunath Pandey, Chief of the Metropolitan Police, stated that the city is working in coordination with NEA to remove the unnecessary overhead structures.
“We have begun removing unused poles and transformers based on NEA’s notice. As these structures are cleared, the wires attached to them are also being taken down, improving the city’s aesthetics. So far, we have removed over 40 poles and more than 10 transformers,” Pandey said.
The collaborative effort has significantly contributed to enhancing the visual appeal and organisation of New Road and its surroundings.
