Joint Steering Committee Approves Expanded 400 kV Grid Links Between Nepal and India

During a high‑level energy dialogue in Pokhara, Nepal and India signed off on expanding their electricity trading framework through two additional 400 kV transmission lines. The Dhalekabhar‑Muzzaffarpur line, operational since 2016, will be complemented by the Dhalekabhar‑Sitamarhi line, which is close to completion under the auspices of SJVN’s Arun‑Three hydro development.

The revised arrangement permits Nepal to sell up to 1,650 MW of power to India, while also allowing the import of up to 1,400 MW from Indian grids. This expands the previous limit of 1,100 MW export and 1,000 MW import that the Muzzaffarpur line alone could handle.

The meeting, co‑chaired by Energy Ministry Secretary Sarita Dawadi (Nepal) and Power Ministry Secretary Pankaj Kumar (India), also saw the joint working group endorse the detailed project report for a 220 kV double‑circuit Chameliya‑Jolgi‑B line, with a target completion date of December 2028.

A joint venture between Nepal Electricity Authority and Power Grid Corporation of India will now focus on the Inaruwa‑New Purnia and Dodhara‑Barela‑Bareli 400 kV corridors, both of which have already secured shareholder and joint‑venture agreements. The Motihari‑Nijgadh 400 kV double‑circuit line also received clearance, expected to enhance Nepal’s export capacity by the 2034‑35 fiscal year.

Further upgrades include the replacement of existing conductors on the Muzzaffarpur‑Dhalekabhar line with high‑temperature low‑sag materials to raise its transmission capability. The proposed Lucknow‑Kohulpur 400 kV line will be subjected to additional technical assessments before final approval. The New Butwal‑Gorkhapur 400 kV line, partially funded by the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation, will initially operate at 220 kV, allowing a temporary import of 130 MW from India and export of 200 MW to India.