Matribhumi Samachar English
New Delhi. 14 September 2026
In a significant move reinforcing regional solidarity and energy security, India has approved the emergency export of up to 654 MW of electricity to Nepal. The approval guarantees power supply for 18 hours a day through December 31, 2026.
This critical initiative follows devastating flash floods and landslides across Nepal that damaged primary hydropower generation facilities and severely disrupted local electrical grid infrastructure. The temporary export window addresses immediate power deficits while giving Nepalese authorities the operational flexibility needed to restore domestic generation plants.
Technical Breakdown of Transmission Corridors
The power export will be routed through two major high-voltage cross-border transmission links:
| Transmission Line / Corridor | Voltage & Specification | Maximum Capacity |
| Muzaffarpur – Dhalkebar | 400 kV Double-Circuit (D/C) | Up to 600 MW |
| Tanakpur – Mahendranagar | 132 kV Transmission Corridor | Up to 54 MW |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Daily Export Schedule (18 Hours) |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [00:00 - Midnight] ========================> [18:00 - 6:00 PM] |
| Active Export Window |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [18:00 - 6:00 PM] -------------------------> [24:00 - Midnight] |
| Nepal Domestic Grid Operations |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
The designated 18-hour daily window (Midnight to 6:00 PM) aligns with daytime solar generation patterns in India. This allows India to efficiently export surplus daytime power while covering essential operating hours for Nepal’s domestic utilities, commercial sectors, and healthcare facilities.
Strategic & Regional Implications
+--------------------------------+
| India-Nepal Energy Ecosystem |
+---------------+----------------+
|
+------------------------+------------------------+
| |
v v
+------------------------+ +------------------------+
| High Hydro Flow Period | | Emergency / Winter |
| (Summer / Monsoon) | | Low Generation Period |
+-----------+------------+ +-----------+------------+
| |
v v
Nepal Exports Hydro India Exports Power
Power to India & to Nepal Grid
Bangladesh (Up to 654 MW)
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Grid Flexibility & Support: Nepal’s power generation remains heavily dependent on run-of-the-river hydropower units, making it vulnerable to extreme monsoon weather events. Cross-border interconnections act as an immediate backup system, preventing catastrophic power blackouts.
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Dynamic Two-Way Power Trade: This arrangement demonstrates the evolution of bilateral energy relations. While Nepal exports surplus hydro energy during peak wet seasons, India provides vital grid backing when Nepal faces seasonal or disaster-related supply constraints.
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Future Review: Supply parameters for January 2027 onward will be jointly evaluated by both nations toward the end of December 2026, depending on the pace of hydropower recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the total quantum of electricity approved for export to Nepal?
India has sanctioned exports of up to 654 MW of electricity, comprising up to 600 MW via the Muzaffarpur–Dhalkebar line and up to 54 MW via the Tanakpur–Mahendranagar line.
Q2: What is the exact daily timeline for this electricity supply?
Power is supplied for 18 hours daily, starting from midnight (00:00) until 6:00 PM (18:00).
Q3: Until when is this agreement currently valid?
The current approval is effective from September 13, 2026, to December 31, 2026. A review of Nepal’s power requirements for 2027 will take place late in December 2026.
Q4: Why was emergency power export needed?
Devastating floods in Nepal damaged major hydropower generation facilities and grid infrastructure, creating severe local power shortages during recovery operations.
Relevant News Links & References
For further international coverage, regional energy policy news, and strategic updates, visit Matribhumi Samachar English.
Disclaimer
This article is published for informational and educational purposes. Data regarding electricity export volumes, transmission corridors, and timelines are sourced from official government notifications and international bilateral disclosures as of September 2026.
