Kathmandu- India has allowed Nepal to import an additional 600 megawatts (MW) of electricity for five hours during night hours, easing the country’s ongoing power crisis in industry. 

With the diplomatic efforts of Nepal’s Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, and Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana, India has approved electricity imports beyond the usual ‘solar hours.’ Nepal will now be able to import power from 11 PM t0 4 AM, starting April 1.

Energy Secretary Suresh Acharya told Biznessnews that India has given the green signal for electricity supply beyond daytime hours.

The imported power will be transmitted through the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line.

Currently, Nepal is permitted to import up to 700 MW of electricity daily from India during daytime hours until June 30.

The approval for additional evening imports comes as a relief, especially when power production drops sharply in winter,  Minister Khadka said. 

'This is good news. India has agreed to supply electricity during additional hours, which will help stabilize the power situation,'  Energy Minister Khadka added. 

Khadka also dismissed rumors of load shedding, assuring that the government is committed to providing a reliable 24-hour power supply.

'There is no truth to the rumors of power outages. The government remains dedicated to ensuring a steady electricity supply,' he added.

Speculation about potential power cuts has increased following the appointment of Hitendra Dev Shakya as the Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), but officials have reassured the public that there are no immediate plans for load shedding.