Kathmandu, July 16: Nepal and India have agreed to increase Nepal’s electricity export capacity to 1,650 megawatts (MW) through two cross-border transmission lines following a meeting of the Nepal–India Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on energy cooperation.
The secretary-level meeting, held in Pokhara on Wednesday, was led by Sarita Dawadi, Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary at India’s Ministry of Power.
At present, the Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur 400 kV cross-border transmission line has the capacity to import 1,000 MW of electricity into Nepal and export 1,100 MW from Nepal to India. Based on a study conducted by the two countries’ joint technical team, the meeting agreed to increase electricity exports through the Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur and the proposed Dhalkebar–Sitamarhi 400 kV transmission lines.
According to a statement issued by Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, the agreed upgrades will increase the combined transmission capacity from 1,000 MW to 1,400 MW for electricity imports into Nepal; and 1,100 MW to 1,650 MW for electricity exports from Nepal to India.
Key infrastructure projects approved
The meeting also approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for upgrading the capacity of the Muzaffarpur–Dhalkebar 400 kV transmission line by replacing its existing conductors with High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors.
Prior to the secretary-level meeting, a Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting at the joint secretary level was held in Pokhara on Tuesday. The Nepali side was co-chaired by Joint Secretary Sandip Kumar Dev, while Joint Secretary Pankaj Kumar of India’s Ministry of Power led the Indian delegation. The secretary-level meeting reviewed and endorsed the recommendations made by the JWG.
The committee also approved the Detailed Project Report for the proposed 220 kV double-circuit Chameliya (Nepal)–Jauljibi (India) transmission line, with a target completion date of December 2028.
New cross-border transmission lines
Nepal and India also agreed to expedite the establishment of joint venture companies for the construction of two new 400 kV cross-border transmission lines:
- Inaruwa (Nepal)–New Purnea (India)
- Dododhara (New Lamki), Nepal–Bareilly, India
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) have already signed the Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA) and the Joint Venture (JV) Agreement for both projects.
Long-term electricity trade
The meeting further agreed to construct two additional high-voltage cross-border transmission lines to facilitate increased electricity exports from Nepal beyond 2034/35. Among them, the Detailed Project Report for the Motihari (India)–Nijgadh (Nepal) 400 kV double-circuit transmission line has been approved.
For the proposed Lucknow (India)–Kohalpur/Lamahi (Nepal) 400 kV transmission line, both sides agreed to conduct additional technical studies before making a final decision.
According to the ministry, the Nepal section of the New Butwal–Gorakhpur 400 kV transmission line is expected to be completed by August 2026, while construction of the New Butwal 400 kV substation is scheduled for completion by December 2027.
Until the substation is completed, both countries have agreed to operate the transmission line initially at 220 kV. Under the interim arrangement, the line will be capable of importing up to 130 MW of electricity into Nepal; and exporting up to 200 MW of electricity from Nepal to India.
The Joint Steering Committee and the Joint Working Group were established under Article 5 of the Nepal–India Power Trade Agreement signed in 2014 to facilitate implementation of the agreement, provide policy guidance and monitor progress on bilateral electricity cooperation. Under the agreement, meetings of both mechanisms are held alternately in Nepal and India every six months. #nepal
