- Saturday, 27 December 2025
Kathmandu, Dec. 27: The government has made provisions allowing the subdivision (plotting) of land areas that fall under electric transmission line corridors.
Through the third amendment to the Land Use Regulation 2022, a new provision has been introduced permitting land located within the right-of-way of transmission lines to be subdivided, while maintaining ownership in the name of the respective landowners.
The provision, introduced to address problems encountered during the construction of transmission lines, was published in the Gazette on November 13, 2025, and has come into effect.
According to the new provision, although land under transmission lines can be subdivided, safety standards will remain unchanged. Construction of structures, including houses, planting of tall trees, or carrying out risky activities within the right-of-way of transmission lines is strictly prohibited.
During the construction and operation of transmission lines, the right-of-way is defined as the area extending a certain distance on both the right and left sides from the centre of the line, considering safe operation, maintenance, and public safety.
The width of the right-of-way is determined based on the voltage level of the transmission line, the height of the towers, wire sag, and technical standards.
For 66 kV and 132 kV transmission lines, the right-of-way is set at a total of 18 metres—9 metres on each side from the centre line. For 220 kV transmission lines, the right-of-way is 30 metres—15 metres on each side. Likewise, for 400 kV transmission lines, the right-of-way is fixed at 46 metres—23 metres on each side from the centre line.
During the construction of transmission lines, land where tower pads are located is acquired by providing compensation, and ownership of such land remains with the project.
However, within the right-of-way area, a certain percentage of compensation is provided while ownership remains with the concerned landowner.
Currently, compensation ranging from 10 to 25 per cent of the assessed land value falling under the right-of-way is being provided to landowners.
The regulation allows land subdivision in a way that ownership remains with the concerned landowner, provided that a written decision regarding land acquisition from the concerned project and proof of compensation are submitted.
‘If the landowner concerned is compensated and the right-of-way area of the electricity transmission line located on such land is divided into plots, if a decision to acquire the land from the concerned project and proof of compensation is submitted in writing in accordance with the prevailing law, the land can be divided into plots so that the ownership of the land remains in the name of the concerned landowner,” according to the Land Use Regulations.
Previously, landowners faced economic and social difficulties because land falling under the transmission line right-of-way could not be subdivided, transferred, or mortgaged with banks and financial institutions.
With the new provision allowing subdivision of land within the right-of-way, land transactions will be facilitated, and landowners will be able to legally use their property.
