The first trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian Grid was inaugurated on Friday as part of efforts by the three countries to promote sub-regional cooperation. Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, jointly inaugurated the project, along with Md. Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources in the Government of Bangladesh and Mr. Dipak Khadka, Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation in the Government of Nepal through a virtual event.
This historic occasion marks the first trilateral power transaction which has been carried out through the Indian grid. The Government of India had announced its decision to facilitate the first trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh, through Indian grid with an export of up to 40 MW of power during the visit of former Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to India from 31 May-3 June 2023.
During the visit, both sides had expressed their commitment towards greater sub-regional cooperation, including in the energy sector, which would lead to increased inter-linkages between the economies for mutual benefit of all stakeholders.
Subsequently, a tripartite power sales agreement between NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, Nepal Electricity Authority and Bangladesh Power Development Board was signed on 3 October 2024 in Kathmandu. ‘The start of this power flow from Nepal to Bangladesh through India is expected to boost sub-regional connectivity in the power sector,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.