World Bank Dispute Resolution Agreement — Bharatpur–Bardaghat, 2023
The World Bank Accountability Mechanism records a mediated agreement between NEA and affected residents that allowed the last two Bharatpur–Bardaghat towers to proceed, while keeping the settlement terms confidential.
- Page status
- Verified core
- Updated
- 2026-07-19
Summary
The World Bank Accountability Mechanism records the 2023 settlement of a dispute involving the Bharatpur–Bardaghat 220 kV transmission line, Nepal Electricity Authority and affected residents in Dumkibas. The process used independent mediation through the World Bank's Dispute Resolution Service.
Key Findings
- Construction of the last two towers had been held up by the dispute.
- NEA and 63 community members reached an agreement after a year-long mediation process.
- The parties requested that the detailed settlement terms remain confidential.
- The published process record describes separate meetings, joint meetings, information exchange, option development and negotiated settlement.
Relevance
The case is a bounded comparison for Decision Dossier — Hetauda–Dhalkebar Completion and Community Resolution because it shows that a structured mediation process has resolved one Nepal transmission right-of-way dispute.
Transfer limitations
- It concerned a different 220 kV line, community, alignment and lender relationship.
- Access to the World Bank Accountability Mechanism was specific to a World Bank-financed project.
- Confidential settlement terms prevent comparison of compensation amounts or obligations.
- The case demonstrates a process option, not evidence that mediation will resolve Hetauda–Dhalkebar on the same terms or timeline.
Limitations
The public record establishes the process and settlement outcome but not the confidential agreement's detailed commitments.