Ministry of Power Approves 18-Hour Daily Power Export of Up to 654 MW to Flood-Hit Nepal

The Union Ministry of Power has officially approved the export of up to 654 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Nepal to help the neighbouring nation manage severe energy shortages caused by devastating flash floods. According to an official press release issued by the Ministry, the power transfer will occur for 18 hours daily, from 00:00 hours to 18:00 hours, through December 31, 2026. The approval allows up to 600 MW to be supplied to the Nepal Electricity Authority through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV double-circuit transmission line, while an additional 54 MW will be transmitted via the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV single-circuit line. Recent catastrophic flooding in Nepal caused extensive damage to several key hydroelectric generation plants and transmission networks, sharply reducing domestic electricity production during a critical recovery period. The government indicated that the quantum of power exports beyond December 2026 will undergo a comprehensive review in December. Cross-border energy trade is being facilitated through the day-ahead and real-time market segments of Indian power exchanges. The official announcement underscores India's strategic commitment to assisting Nepal during humanitarian crises and strengthening bilateral energy cooperation and grid connectivity across South Asia.