Tamakoshi-Kathmandu  200/400 kV transmission line and substation are under construction in Dunghyul Bhoda ("Lapsiphedi/Bojheni"), Ward No. 3 of Shankharapur Municipality, northeast of Kathmandu—a part of the ancestral lands of the Tamang Indigenous Peoples. The transmission line is part of the Electricity Transmission Expansion and Supply Improvement Project (ETESIP, ADB #41155-013), while the substation is being built under the Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement Project (PTDEEP, ADB #50059-002). Both projects are financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and implemented by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

The transmission line and substation at Dunghyul Bhoda ("Bojheni") will be connected to a substation further south in Kathmandu, specifically in Changu Narayan, through a 132 kV transmission line. This connection is part of a project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).Additionally, the transmission system will be extended further west to a substation in Ratmate, located in Nuwakot district. This extension is planned under a separate project funded by the United States through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)

The projects are being built in the middle of human settlements, violating the ADB’s social and environmental policies and fundamental constitutional rights related to the environment, property, identity and participation. These projects are impacting the lands, livelihoods, homes, health, safety, and sacred sites of Indigenous and local communities. The projects are being implemented without Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)

The communities have been carrying out peaceful protests against the project since 2015, demanding FPIC and the relocation of the projects. They have gained solidarity from local government, various Indigenous Organizations, movements like SAMAN Nepal, political parties, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to ensure their demands are heard. However, the authorities have responded with retaliation, intimidation, and the deployment of security forces at the project sites.

On 4 February 2025, the communities filed a complaint with the Accountability Mechanism of the Asian Development Bank, with technical and legal support from LAHURNIP. The complaint is under review and assesment phase. 

Media Coverage

January 28, 2025: Indigenous communities’ raise human rights concerns about IFI supported Tamakoshi V Transmission Line & Hydropower Project, security forces respond with violence

January 15, 2023 : Lapsephedi protest hints at challenges in expansion of transmission lines
Jan19, 2023 Nepal: Stop State brutality against the Tamang Indigenous Peoples and Locals

February 13, 2023: Hydroelectric Transmission Line and Power Station Likely to Displace 500+ Tamang Households in Nepal

November 4, 2021:    Tamakoshi-Kathmandu Transmission Line affected communities call on the Asian Development Bank to realign the power line and relocate its sub-station