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India approved time-bound electricity exports to Nepal after floods damaged hydropower assets. Supply is permitted for 18 hours daily, with up to 600 MW through Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar and 54 MW through Tanakpur-Mahendranagar. UPSC focus: cross-border grids, neighbourhood-first cooperation and regional energy security.
WHY IN NEWS
On 14 September 2026, the Ministry of Power announced approval for electricity exports to Nepal Electricity Authority from 13 September to 31 December 2026 to address additional demand created by flood-related damage to Nepal's hydropower infrastructure.
TOP DATA & FACTS
- Approval covers 13 September-31 December 2026.
- Power can be exported for 18 hours daily, from 00:00 to 18:00.
- Up to 600 MW is permitted through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV double-circuit line.
- Up to 54 MW is permitted through the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV single-circuit line.
- The combined approved ceiling is 654 MW across the two corridors.
- The quantum for January 2027 onward will be reviewed in December 2026.
- Recent floods damaged hydropower infrastructure in Nepal and reduced domestic generation.
- The buyer is Nepal Electricity Authority.
- Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar is a major India-Nepal cross-border transmission corridor.
- Cross-border electricity trade can help balance seasonal hydropower variability.
- The arrangement adds a disaster-response dimension to bilateral energy cooperation.
- Grid interconnection supports the wider goal of regional power-market integration.
PRELIMS
- Approval covers 13 September-31 December 2026.
- Power can be exported for 18 hours daily, from 00:00 to 18:00.
- Up to 600 MW is permitted through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV double-circuit line.
- Up to 54 MW is permitted through the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV single-circuit line.
- The combined approved ceiling is 654 MW across the two corridors.
- The quantum for January 2027 onward will be reviewed in December 2026.
- Recent floods damaged hydropower infrastructure in Nepal and reduced domestic generation.
- The buyer is Nepal Electricity Authority.
QUICK REVISION
- Authority/theme: International Relations / Energy.
- Anchor fact: Approval covers 13 September-31 December 2026.
- Second recall: Power can be exported for 18 hours daily, from 00:00 to 18:00.