Nepal Floods: India To Supply 18-Hour Daily Power To Kathmandu Amid Severe Power Shortage

Weeks after devastating floods in Nepal killed more than 1,386 people, disrupted critical infrastructure, and caused widespread power outages, India’s Ministry of Power has approved the export of electricity to the Nepal Electricity Authority for 18 hours a day from September 13 to December 31, 2026.

Under the arrangement, a maximum of 600 MW of electricity can be supplied through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar 400 kV double-circuit transmission line, while up to 54 MW can be supplied through the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar 132 kV single-circuit line.

The disaster, triggered by a massive Himalayan glacier collapse near the Tibet border on August 26, 2026, has also left approximately 5,130 people missing.

A review of the quantity of electricity exports from January 2027 onward will be conducted in December 2026. The recent floods have caused extensive damage to Nepal’s hydropower projects, reducing the country’s domestic power generation capacity and increasing its need for additional electricity.

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The increased power supply will help Nepal meet its electricity demand during this difficult period while further strengthening the long-standing energy cooperation between India and Nepal. India has reiterated its commitment to supporting Nepal and deepening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

Following the severe floods, India has provided extensive assistance to Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Nepalese counterpart and assured him of India’s full support and all possible humanitarian assistance.

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Since August 26, more than 130 tonnes of relief materials have been transported to Nepal through eight special Indian Air Force aircraft. The supplies include tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, medicines, generators, water pumps, and lighting towers.

Around 54 experts and rescue personnel have also been deployed so far. Tunnel and mud-rescue teams are working alongside the Nepal Army in Chilime and Langtang, while forensic experts are assisting with the identification of bodies using DNA kits and other specialised equipment. Doctor and paramedic teams are providing medical assistance, while Bailey bridges and technical teams have been deployed to help restore connectivity and damaged infrastructure.