Nepal, India Chart Roadmap for 10,000 MW Power Exports by 2034/35

Nepal and India have taken a major step toward strengthening bilateral energy cooperation by endorsing a series of decisions aimed at expanding cross-border electricity trade and transmission infrastructure. During the 13th meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on Power Sector Cooperation, held in Pokhara, both sides agreed on measures to support Nepal's long-term target of exporting 10,000 MW of electricity to India by 2034/35. The meeting approved an increase in the transmission capacity of the existing 400 kV Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur cross-border line, raising Nepal's export capacity to 1,650 MW and import capacity to 1,400 MW based on a joint technical assessment. The two countries also approved the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Chameliya–Dhauliganga 220 kV and Motihari–Nijgadh 400 kV transmission lines, while agreeing to accelerate the formation of a joint venture between the Nepal Electricity Authority and India's Power Grid Corporation for the Inaruwa–Purnia and Dododhara–Bareilly 400 kV transmission projects. In addition, both sides agreed to expedite technical studies for the Lucknow–Kohalpur–Lamahi transmission corridor. As an interim arrangement, the under-construction New Butwal–Gorakhpur 400 kV transmission line will operate at 220 kV until the New Butwal substation is completed in December 2027, enabling Nepal to export up to 200 MW and import 130 MW of electricity. Prior to the meeting, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha met with Indian Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal and Additional Foreign Secretary Munu Mahawar, urging greater Indian investment in Nepal's hydropower sector. He described the JSC decisions as another significant milestone in expanding Nepal's energy market, improving access to the Indian market for clean electricity, reducing the trade deficit, and strengthening the national economy.