NEA to Benefit from Nepal–India Cross-Border Transmission Line Projects

The government has clarified that the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will directly benefit from the construction of two new cross-border transmission lines to be developed jointly by Nepal and India.

An agreement has already been signed between the two countries to build two additional 400 kV transmission lines, the Inaruwa–Purnia line and the Dododhara–Bareilly line, to strengthen electricity trade and grid connectivity between Nepal and India.

According to Sandeep Kumar Dev, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, a joint venture company will be formed between NEA and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited to execute the projects. Under the arrangement, NEA will hold a 51 percent share in the section of the transmission line built within Nepal, while it will have a 49 percent stake in the section constructed within India.

The ministry stated that the development of these transnational transmission lines is a key priority for ensuring a reliable market for surplus electricity generated by Nepal’s hydropower projects. The initiative is expected to enhance energy cooperation, improve cross-border power trade efficiency, and support Nepal’s goal of becoming a major exporter of clean electricity to neighboring countries.