Nepal and India agree to fast-track cross-border high voltage power transmission projects

KATHMANDU: The 17th meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Technical Team (JTT) on electricity cooperation has concluded in Pokhara, reaching multiple agreements to strengthen cross-border power trade, expand high-capacity transmission infrastructure, and accelerate ongoing interconnection projects between the two countries. The meeting took place on Kartik 17-18, 2082 BS (November 3-4, 2025) under the co-chairmanship of Joint Secretary Sandeep Kumar Dev from Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and Chief Engineer Bhagwan Sahay Berwa of India’s Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

During the two-day session, the officials discussed current power exchange flows, future trade expansion, and technical arrangements required to increase grid reliability and regional energy security. The agreements reached are seen as strategically significant for Nepal’s long-term hydropower export goals as well as India’s increasing regional energy demand.

According to the decisions, Nepal and India will jointly prepare the consolidated Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Chameliya–Jauljibi 220 kV double-circuit transmission line by November 2025. Both sides agreed to advance construction works to complete the cross-border line by December 2027. The project is expected to enhance electricity flow from far-western Nepal into the Indian grid.

Similarly, the meeting decided to operate the New Butwal–Gorakhpur 400 kV transmission line temporarily at 220 kV, enabling immediate power trading while final high-voltage readiness is underway. The two sides will hold follow-up discussions with the Uttar Pradesh Transmission Corporation within 15 days to finalize import-export capacity through this corridor.

The JTT also reviewed the Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur and Dhalkebar–Sitamadhi power exchange capacity. Based on system assessments, Nepal can now export up to 1,500 MW and import up to 1,400 MW through these connections — marking one of the highest bilateral electricity exchange capabilities in South Asia.

In addition, Nepal will provide technical details within one month to initiate the DPR for the planned Nijgadh–Motihari 400 kV double-circuit transmission line, to be carried out under joint engineering efforts. Likewise, further joint studies will determine whether the Lamahi–Lucknow 400 kV line will terminate at Lamahi or Kohalpur on the Nepali side before DPR completion.

The JTT agreed to advance reconductoring of the Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur 400 kV line using high-temperature low-sag (HTLS) technology to increase transfer capacity without constructing new towers. Similar HTLS upgrades will be jointly studied for the Raxaul–Parwanipur and Ramnagar–Gandak 132 kV lines to strengthen cross-border reliability.

Energy sector analysts state that these agreements come at a critical time when Nepal aims to increase its hydropower exports, attract global energy investments, and position itself as a regional clean power supplier. Meanwhile, India continues to reinforce its grid to support decarbonization goals and growing industrial demand.

The outcomes of the 17th JTT meeting are expected to be formally reviewed at the next Secretary-level Joint Steering Committee meeting.