India begins exporting up to 654MW to flood-ravaged Nepal

India has approved the export of up to 654 megawatts of electricity to Nepal from 13 September to 31 December as the Himalayan nation grapples with power shortages, following extensive damage to its hydropower infrastructure caused by recent devastating flash floods.

India's power ministry has accorded the approval for the export, for 18 hours a day (00:00 hours to 18:00 hours) to Nepal Electricity Authority, an official statement said yesterday (14 September).

India will supply 600MW via the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 KV double-circuit transmission line, and 54MW via the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV single-circuit line.

The additional supply 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 quantum of power to be exported from January 2027 will be reviewed in December.

The recent floods have caused considerable damage to hydropower infrastructure in Nepal, reducing its domestic power generation capacity and creating an additional requirement for electricity.

The electricity export is part of India's broader assistance to Nepal following the devastating floods. India has continued to provide support for rescue, relief, and forensic operations as Nepal deals with the mounting human and infrastructure losses.

The Bhotekoshi flood, triggered by the collapse of a glacier near the Chinese border, has killed nearly 1,400 people in Nepal and Tibet, and swept ⁠away more than 12 hydropower plants in Nepal. About 900 power station workers are among more than 5,300 people still missing, reports Reuters.

The disaster has caused a power shortfall of between 350MW and 400MW, according to local media, and it remains uncertain when the damaged plants will be restored.