India approves up to 654 MW power export to flood-hit Nepal
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India’s Ministry of Power has approved export of up to 654 MW of electricity to the Nepal Electricity Authority, 18 hours a day, from 13 September to 31 December 2026. Up to 600 MW will flow through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar line and up to 54 MW through Tanakpur-Mahendranagar. Floods had damaged Nepal’s hydropower plants and cut its generation.
- Approved by
- Ministry of Power (announced 14 Sep 2026)
- Buyer
- Nepal Electricity Authority
- Period
- 13 Sep to 31 Dec 2026
- Hours
- 18 a day (00:00 to 18:00)
- Lines
- Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV D/c: up to 600 MW; Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV S/c: up to 54 MW
- Review
- December 2026, for supply from January 2027
Power export to Nepal: what happened?
Nepal usually runs on hydropower. Recent floods damaged its plants, so it now needs extra electricity. India is supplying power across the border through two transmission lines.
- Ministry of Power approved export of up to 600 MW via Muzaffarpur–Dhalkebar 400 kV line and up to 54 MW via Tanakpur–Mahendranagar 132 kV line, 18 hours a day, 13 Sep–31 Dec 2026 [PIB].
- Floods damaged Nepal’s hydropower infrastructure [PIB].
Which lines carry the power?
- Muzaffarpur to Dhalkebar: 400 kV double-circuit line, up to 600 MW.
- Tanakpur to Mahendranagar: 132 kV single-circuit line, up to 54 MW.
- The quantity for January 2027 onward will be reviewed in December 2026.
What can Prelims ask on power export to Nepal?
- India approved up to 654 MW power export to Nepal (13 September to 31 December 2026).
- Lines: Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar (400 kV) and Tanakpur-Mahendranagar (132 kV).
- Reason: flood damage to Nepal’s hydropower.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-09-14): ministry of Power approved export of up to 600 MW via Muzaffarpur–Dhalkebar 400 kV line and up to 54 MW via Tanakpur–Mahendranagar 132 kV line, 18 hours a day, 13 Sep–31 Dec 2026.
- Cross-border grids are a tool of Neighbourhood First diplomacy.
Quotable data pointMinistry of Power approved export of up to 600 MW via Muzaffarpur–Dhalkebar 400 kV line and up to 54 MW via Tanakpur–Mahendranagar 132 kV line, 18 hours a day, 13 Sep–31 Dec 2026.
PIB: Power: export of power to Nepal approved, 14 Sep 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: cross-border transmission lines.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
The Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar transmission line connects India with
Answer (c) & explanation
PIB, 14 Sep 2026: up to 600 MW to Nepal through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV line.
Questions students ask about this
How much power will India export to Nepal?
Up to 654 MW: 600 MW through Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar and 54 MW through Tanakpur-Mahendranagar.
For how long?
From 13 September to 31 December 2026, 18 hours a day; supply from January 2027 will be reviewed in December.
Why does Nepal need it?
Floods damaged its hydropower infrastructure and reduced domestic generation.
Keep studying
Go deeper
Official source: PIB: Power: export of power to Nepal approved, 14 Sep 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending