India Approves Up To 654 MW Power Export To Nepal After Floods Damage Hydropower Infrastructure

New Delhi, India - On September 14, the Ministry of Power in India has granted permission for up to 654 MW of electricity to be exported to Nepal, beginning September 13 and continuing until December 31. This move aims to assist Nepal in meeting its power needs following the devastation caused by recent flash floods. The approval permits power exports for 18 hours daily, from midnight to 6 PM, through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV and Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV lines.

The Ministry anticipates exporting 600 MW through the former line and 54 MW through the latter. However, the exact export volume for January 2027 will be reassessed in December 2026. The floods in Nepal have significantly damaged the country's hydropower infrastructure, diminishing its domestic power generation capacity and amplifying its electricity requirements.

This approval underscores the longstanding energy cooperation between India and Nepal, with India committed to further supporting Nepal's energy sector. Meanwhile, the death toll from the floods in Nepal has risen to 1,385, with 5,130 people still missing, according to the latest update from Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

India has been actively aiding Nepal's rescue, relief, and forensic operations, with eight Indian Air Force flights delivering humanitarian assistance and 54 expert personnel deployed to support these efforts.