Global IME Bank-led consortium signs Rs 19 billion financing deal for 166 MW Super Tamor Hydro

KATHMANDU: Global IME Bank Limited has led a consortium of six banks in signing a financing agreement worth approximately NPR 19 billion for the development of the 166 MW Super Tamor Hydropower Project, a major energy infrastructure project in eastern Nepal.

The financing agreement was signed between project developer Crystal Power Development Pvt. Ltd. and the participating banks, marking a significant milestone for one of Nepal’s upcoming hydropower investments.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Global IME Bank Chief Executive Officer Surendra Raj Regmi. Signatories included Deep Chandra Regmi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Global IME Bank, Krishna Prasad Acharya, Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Power Development, and representatives of the co-lead and participating banks.

Consortium to Invest NPR 19 Billion

The Super Tamor Hydropower Project is estimated to cost NPR 25 billion (approximately USD 180 million).

Under the financing structure, a consortium led by Global IME Bank, with co-lead banks Siddhartha Bank, Laxmi Sunrise Bank, and Prabhu Bank, alongside participating banks Agricultural Development Bank and Nepal SBI Bank, will collectively provide around 75 percent of the project cost, equivalent to NPR 19 billion.

The financing commitments include:

• Global IME Bank: NPR 5 billion
• Siddhartha Bank: NPR 4 billion
• Laxmi Sunrise Bank: NPR 4 billion
• Prabhu Bank: NPR 3.5 billion
• Agricultural Development Bank: NPR 1.5 billion
• Nepal SBI Bank: NPR 1 billion

The remaining 25 percent of the investment will be financed through equity contributions from the project’s promoters and other investors.

Major Hydropower Investment in Eastern Nepal

The 166 MW run-of-river hydropower project will be developed on the Tamor River in Phaktanglung Rural Municipality of Taplejung District.

According to the project agreement, construction is expected to be completed within five years from the commencement of development works.

Once operational, the project is expected to contribute significantly to Nepal’s growing electricity generation capacity and support the country’s ambition to expand cross-border electricity exports to neighboring markets, particularly India and Bangladesh.

Boost to Nepal’s Energy Export Ambitions

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Surendra Raj Regmi expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the scheduled timeframe and play a meaningful role in strengthening Nepal’s energy sector.

He said the project would increase national electricity production capacity and support the promotion of electricity exports, contributing to Nepal’s long-term economic growth and energy security objectives.

Nepal has emerged as one of South Asia’s fastest-growing hydropower markets, with the government targeting substantial increases in electricity generation and regional power trade over the coming decade.

The Super Tamor project adds to a growing pipeline of large-scale hydropower developments that are expected to transform Nepal from an energy-deficit nation into a regional clean-energy exporter.

Global IME Bank’s Expanding Role in Infrastructure Financing

Global IME Bank has played a leading role in financing major infrastructure and hydropower projects across Nepal. The bank has received numerous national and international recognitions, including Best Bank Nepal awards in 2024, 2025, and 2026, as well as multiple Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

The bank operates one of Nepal’s largest banking networks, with 344 branch offices, 385 ATMs, 147 branchless banking services, 69 extension and revenue collection counters, and three international representative offices, serving customers through more than 1,000 service points nationwide.

In addition to banking services, the bank facilitates remittance inflows from major labor destination countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, India, and Jordan.