New Delhi, September 15, 2026: India has approved the export of up to 654 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Nepal for 18 hours every day until December 31, 2026, to help the neighbouring country cope with severe power shortages following devastating floods that heavily damaged its hydropower infrastructure.
The Ministry of Power announced the decision on Monday. The approval allows power supply to the Nepal Electricity Authority from September 13 to December 31, 2026, between midnight and 6:00 PM daily.
Breakdown of the Power Export
Up to 600 MW through the Muzaffarpur–Dhalkebar 400 kV double-circuit transmission line
Up to 54 MW through the Tanakpur–Mahendranagar 132 kV single-circuit line
The quantum of power to be exported from January 2027 will be reviewed in December 2026.
Impact of the Floods
Flash floods triggered by a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, 2026, caused widespread destruction across northern and central Nepal. The disaster killed nearly 1,400 people in Nepal and Tibet, with more than 5,000 still missing. Around 900 power station workers are among those unaccounted for.
More than a dozen hydropower plants were swept away or severely damaged, cutting Nepal’s generation capacity by an estimated 550 MW — roughly one-tenth of its operational capacity. Hydropower accounts for almost all of Nepal’s electricity generation. The country, which had been exporting surplus power to India in recent years, has now been forced to import electricity to meet domestic demand.
India’s Support and Bilateral Ties
In a statement, the Ministry of Power said: “The approval will help Nepal meet its power requirements during this difficult period and further strengthen the close and longstanding energy cooperation between India and Nepal. India remains committed to supporting Nepal and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.”
Nepal had requested early approval for power imports this year, earlier than the usual winter months when its hydropower generation typically declines. India has also extended humanitarian assistance following the floods, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi assuring full support to his Nepalese counterpart.
This move highlights the strong energy partnership between the two countries. In the previous fiscal year, India imported significant power from Nepal while also exporting electricity during periods of shortage.
The timely support is expected to ease power shortages in Nepal during the recovery phase and reinforce regional energy security in South Asia.