India Approves 654 MW Power Export To Nepal

The Ministry of Power has approved the export of up to 654 MW of electricity to Nepal from September 13 to December 31. This decision aims to help Nepal meet its power requirements following damage to its hydropower infrastructure caused by recent devastating flash floods.

The approval allows power export for 18 hours a day, from 0000 hours to 1800 hours, to the Nepal Electricity Authority. According to the Ministry, up to 600 MW of power can be exported through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV D/c line, while up to 54 MW can be exported through the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV S/c line.

The recent floods in Nepal have caused significant damage to its hydropower infrastructure, reducing the country's domestic power generation capacity and creating an additional requirement for electricity. The approval will help Nepal meet its power requirements during this difficult period and further strengthen the close and longstanding energy cooperation between India and Nepal.

The Ministry of Power said that the quantum of power to be exported from January 2027 will be reviewed in December 2026. India remains committed to supporting Nepal and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the Nepal floods has reached 1,385, while 5,130 people remain missing, according to the latest update issued by Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. India has continued to support Nepal's rescue, relief, and forensic operations, with an eighth Indian Air Force flight carrying humanitarian assistance reaching Kathmandu earlier.

India has expedited the delivery of relief supplies, specialised equipment, and expert personnel through eight special flights since August 26, sending more than 130 tonnes of relief material to Nepal. India has also deployed 54 expert personnel to support Nepal's ongoing rescue, relief, and forensic operations.

The assistance includes standard relief supplies such as temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and medicines, besides specialised equipment for tunnel and mud rescue operations, DNA profiling, and other equipment.

This move is expected to strengthen the relationship between India and Nepal, and provide much-needed support to Nepal during this difficult time.

The decision to export power to Nepal is a significant step in strengthening the energy cooperation between the two countries. It will help Nepal to meet its power requirements and reduce its dependence on other sources of energy.

In conclusion, the approval of power export to Nepal is a welcome move, and it will have a positive impact on the relationship between India and Nepal. It will also help Nepal to recover from the devastating floods and rebuild its hydropower infrastructure.

The move is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy of Nepal, as it will help to reduce the cost of power generation and provide a stable source of energy. It will also help to promote economic growth and development in Nepal.

Overall, the decision to export power to Nepal is a significant step in strengthening the energy cooperation between the two countries, and it will have a positive impact on the relationship between India and Nepal.