25 Years of Cosmic Electrical Limited

In 2000, a young engineer with a bold dream set out to electrify Nepal. From a small rented room in Kathmandu, Mahesh Mahato founded Cosmic Electrical Limited (CEL) with a simple purpose—to empower lives through electricity. What began as a modest engineering consultancy has grown into one of Nepal’s leading EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) companies, specializing in power transmission, distribution, substations, and rural electrification. Over the past 25 years, Cosmic Electrical has built far more than poles and power lines. It has built trust, opportunity, and hope; connecting remote mountain hamlets to the plains, and villages to the national grid.

“Our journey has not been about towers and cables alone—it’s about people, communities, and possibilities,” Mahato said.

The Early Years (2000–2006)

The foundation years of Cosmic Electrical were defined by belief, persistence, and ambition. In an era when consulting and project design in electrification were dominated by foreign firms, Cosmic proved that Nepali engineers could deliver world-class quality on home soil. Early rural electrification works and distribution projects laid the groundwork for what would become a national success story in power infrastructure.

As a pioneering local firm, CEL set early benchmarks in quality; achieving ISO 9001 certification and introducing professional project management systems well before they became industry norms. This commitment gave the young company credibility against larger international competitors.

Building Momentum (2007–2015)

By the late 2000s, Cosmic Electrical was hitting its stride. Partnerships with global technology leaders helped raise Nepal’s EPC standards. A major turning point came in 2007, when CEL partnered with ABB, the Swiss-Swedish engineering giant, accelerating knowledge transfer and enhancing quality.

During this period, the company executed multiple 132 kV transmission line and substation projects, becoming a trusted partner of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and independent power producers (IPPs). Key clients included NEA, Asian Development Bank-funded projects,major hydropower companies like Upper Tamakoshi and Sanima Hydropower, and corporates requiring industrial electrification. These projects cemented Cosmic’s reputation as a dependable national player capable of executing complex assignments.

The company’s mantra was clear: “On time, every time”. Each project’s timely delivery became part of the brand’s DNA.

“Our projects are more than infrastructure; they empower communities by providing clean, reliable electricity that drives economic growth, improves healthcare access, and enhances education,” Mahato said.

Clients and partners gradually began to recognize CEL as a leading force in Nepal’s energy sector, a reputation built on discipline, precision, and social impact.

A Leap Forward (2016–2025)

With a deeper technical bench and a reinforced safety culture, Cosmic Electrical entered its next growth phase. The company expanded into high-voltage (220 kV) transmission lines, extended rural electrification projects, and embraced smart-grid-ready infrastructure, helping future-proof Nepal’s power network.

This era tested Cosmic with its most ambitious undertakings, and the firm delivered consistently. A historic milestone came in 2024, when Cosmic completed a 220 kV double-circuit transmission line project for the Sanima Middle Tamor hydropower plant—becoming the first Nepali EPC contractor to execute such a high-voltage line. The 73 MW-capacity line strengthened Nepal’s grid and ensured more reliable electricity for thousands of households. Its inauguration, which saw the participation of then NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising and other dignitaries attending, drew national attention.

Cosmic’s expansion into high-voltage projects is symbolized by these towering transmission structures, marking a new era of Nepali self-reliance in power infrastructure. Equally significant was the company’s continued focus on rural electrification, lighting up remote corners of Nepal—from Darchula in the far west to mountainous villages awaiting their first lightbulb. By integrating digital design tools, automation systems, and AI-driven planning, through its subsidiary Cosmic Global Tech, the company prepared for the future of smart grids and digital engineering.

“By integrating hydropower and solar energy, we continue to lead the way in sustainable energy solutions,” Mahato explained. Despite earthquakes, blockades, and pandemic delays, Cosmic persisted, delivering projects that now form the backbone of Nepal’s electricity network. Each success reinforced its confidence to eventually expand beyond Nepal.

Powering People, Not Just Projects

Cosmic measures success in lives impacted, not just kilometers of cable laid. As of 2025, its projects have positively affected over 5 million people, improving lighting, irrigation, healthcare, and education. The electrification initiatives have also created 1,000+ jobs for Nepali engineers, technicians, and local support staff.

“We are powering people, not just projects,” Mahesh said, reflecting the company’s philosophy of embedding social impact into every initiative.

The Cosmic Ecosystem

To amplify its impact, Cosmic Electrical has nurtured a group of complementary companies:

-Cosmic Electrical Limited – Core EPC arm (transmission lines, substations, rural electrification)

-Cosmic Capital Pvt. Ltd. – Investment and venture financing for energy and infrastructure startups

-Cosmic Global Tech – Digital and AI solutions for smart-grid readiness

-Cosmic Innovation Center Nepal (CIC Nepal) – Startup incubator and mentorship hub

-Cosmic Infra Pvt. Ltd. – Operations & Maintenance services

-Cosmic Foundation – CSR initiatives including education, health camps, and disaster relief

Cross-collaboration strengthens each entity. For example, Cosmic Capital funds renewable energy startups that CEL may later implement, while Cosmic Global Tech develops digital tools enhancing project efficiency. A planned venture support unit aims to further empower Nepal’s startup ecosystem.

“We work together and win together as one Cosmic team,” Mahato emphasized.

Impact Beyond Business

Sustainability and social responsibility are at Cosmic’s core. Its projects align with Nepal’s development needs and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Cosmic incorporates renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and climate-resilient construction. The company promotes local hiring, gender inclusion, and training programs for young engineers. Through the Cosmic Foundation, profits are reinvested into community projects—electrifying schools, sponsoring STEM education, or providing solar lights to remote centers.

“Engineering excellence and social impact must go hand in hand,” Mahesh said about Cosmic’s philosophy that has earned CEL deep trust across communities.

Recognition & Trust

Cosmic’s trajectory has garnered national and industry recognition. In July 2025, Mahesh Mahato received the Entrepreneur Engineer Excellence Award from the Nepal Engineers’ Association in recognition of his contribution for over two decades to engineering-led entrepreneurship, sustainable infrastructure, and job creation.

Cosmic has also been recognized by NEA for timely project delivery and celebrated as the first Nepali EPC contractor to execute a 220 kV transmission line. ISO certifications (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018) further testify to its adherence to international standards. Ultimately, trust—earned from clients, communities, employees, and global partners—is Cosmic’s greatest achievement.

The Road Ahead

As Cosmic Electrical Ltd celebrates 25 years of powering progress, it is already preparing for its next leap. The company’s Vision 2035 is ambitious: to extend its reach beyond Nepal and empower 50 million lives globally through sustainable energy solutions. To achieve this, Cosmic is pursuing strategic priorities that leverage its strengths and embrace innovation. A key goal is to introduce at least one new technology each year—whether advanced energy storage, smart-grid software, drone-based line inspections, or AI-driven project management—ensuring Cosmic remains at the cutting edge of the industry. Green energy integration is another focus, with plans to expand solar and small hydro projects and incorporate grid-scale battery systems to stabilize renewable power.

Sustainability is central to these plans. By 2035, Cosmic envisions itself not only as a regional leader in project execution but also in sustainable practices—targeting carbon-neutral operations, promoting electric mobility within its fleet, and integrating climate-adaptive features into all projects. Its social impact targets are equally ambitious: by 2035, the company aims to have improved 50 million lives and to have thousands of alumni from its training programs leading engineering initiatives worldwide.

“We started Cosmic with a dream—to bring light where there was darkness. Today, the lights we lit have multiplied into millions. But the journey isn’t over; we are now aiming for a global impact, to empower 50 million lives by 2035,” Mahato said.

At a Glance: 25 Years of Cosmic Electrical

Founded: 2000, Kathmandu (by Mahesh Mahato)

Head Office: Cosmic Tower, Sanepa, Lalitpur

Core Services: Transmission lines, distribution networks, substations, rural electrification

Major Milestones: First Nepali EPC to deliver a 220 kV project; 100+ projects completed

Lives Impacted: 5 million+

Jobs Created: 1,000+

Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018

Group Companies: Cosmic Capital, Cosmic Global Tech, CIC Nepal, Cosmic Infra, Cosmic Foundation

Vision 2035: Empower 50 million lives globally through sustainable energy

This article was first published in the November 2025 edition of New Business Age magazine.