The power bureau has invited interested parties to submit tender documents for the deployment of underground cables. The locations of the deployment include Ratnapark, Maitighar, Thapathali, Chabahil and Thamel.

"Deploying underground cables is a costly thing. Therefore, we will only be deployed on the main roads of the city." Manoj Silwal, director of the project authority of Nepal's power bureau.

The power bureau decided to deploy underground cables to remove overhead cables to improve the distribution system. This is part of a $180 million transmission and distribution efficiency project funded by the government of Nepal and the Asian development bank.

Transmission and distribution project aims to increase network through automation, laid underground cable, use overhead line insulation cable erection and installation of smart meters to meet the growing demand for energy, Kathmandu increased capacity and reliability of the distribution network. The Asian development bank will provide $150 million in soft loans and the government of Nepal will provide the remaining funds.

According to a notice issued by the Nepal power bureau, the project will conduct international public bidding to select contractors for laying underground cables. The tender will be conducted in accordance with the "one-stage bi-envelope tender process" of the Asian development bank, which must submit technical and financial quotes in two envelopes.

The technical tender will be opened on October 6 in the presence of the representatives of the bidder, the financial tender will remain closed and kept in the locked box.

The power bureau will only make financial tenders for bidders with technical qualifications. After the contract is awarded to a qualified minimum bidder, the financial tender documents of the unqualified bidders shall be returned in unopened state.

The power bureau will use horizontal installation grid system to lay underground cables, because this will cause less damage to the road. The system allows the cable to be laid 100 meters by drilling a hole in one place.

The main reason behind the demolition of existing overhead lines and the installation of underground cables is to improve the reliability of the distribution system, according to the power bureau. The power station's existing distribution system is so fragile that it will suddenly cut off even if the power supply is sufficient.