India set to boost Nepal power exports amid winter demand surge

India has approved a substantial increase in power exports to Nepal, responding to the neighbouring nation's winter energy requirements. The supply arrangement will deliver 654 megawatts of electricity daily for 18 hours until the end of December, supporting Nepal's seasonal demand surge during the colder months.

The export capacity is distributed across two critical transmission routes connecting the two countries. The primary supply corridor through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar line will carry up to 600 megawatts, while the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar line will manage an additional 54 megawatts of power transfers.

This expanded export agreement underscores the strengthening energy partnership between India and Nepal, which has grown increasingly important as both nations navigate seasonal fluctuations in power demand. The arrangement is set to continue through December 2026, providing Nepal with a reliable supply source during critical winter months when hydroelectric generation typically declines due to lower water availability.

The bilateral power trade mechanism has become integral to Nepal's energy security strategy, particularly as the landlocked nation works to balance its domestic generation capacity with rising consumption demands. India's role as a supplementary power supplier helps bridge seasonal gaps in Nepal's electricity supply chain.