Is Tripura Planning to Supply Power to Nepal?
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Synopsis
Tripura's Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath reveals the state's ambition to export electricity to Nepal. Following a recent meeting in New Delhi, plans are underway to facilitate this supply, despite geographical challenges. This move could significantly impact regional energy dynamics, as Tripura continues to meet its neighboring countries' growing power demands.
Key Takeaways
- Tripura aims to export electricity to Nepal.
- Meeting held in New Delhi to discuss the initiative.
- Tripura already supplies over 100 MW to Bangladesh.
- Investment in new technologies to boost power generation efficiency.
- Plans for a new 800 MW pumped storage project at Chawmanu.
Agartala, Oct 17 (NationPress) Tripura, recognized as one of the electricity-rich states in the Northeast region, is eager to provide power to Nepal, announced state Power and Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday.
The minister disclosed this information following the inauguration of the 132 KV Gokulnagar electricity sub-station, part of the North Eastern Region (NER) Power System Improvement Project, located at the Gokulnagar Rastarmatha Sports Ground in Sepahijala district.
He mentioned that plans to export power from Tripura to Nepal are in progress, with a crucial meeting held in New Delhi on Friday, where the final decision will be made by the Central government.
Although Tripura does not directly border Nepal, the Himalayan nation shares a lengthy 1,751 km border with five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Tripura, which shares an 856 km border with Bangladesh, is currently supplying over 100 MW of electricity to its neighboring country. The supply began in March 2016 from the state-owned ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) power plant located in the Gomati district of southern Tripura.
The power supply occasionally reaches up to 160 MW, according to an official from the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL).
The official stated, “Following the initial agreement in 2016, we have renewed the agreement twice to ensure the continued supply of electricity to Bangladesh.”
He also noted that the Bangladesh government has recently requested TSECL to increase its supply to at least 250 MW to accommodate the rising power demand. A final decision regarding this new proposal is still pending.
Minister Nath highlighted that due to decreasing natural gas availability, TSECL is adopting innovative technologies to enhance generation efficiency.
“With the support of the World Bank, an investment of Rs 935 crore is being made to double power generation using the same amount of gas through combined cycle gas turbine technology at Rokhia in Sepahijala district,” he stated.
“Additionally, we have plans to establish an 800 MW pumped storage power project at Chawmanu in Dhalai district, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) currently being prepared,” he added.
The minister also announced that a 400 KV sub-station will be constructed at Suryamani Nagar, further supporting Tripura's electricity supply to Bangladesh.
Furthermore, the state government has ambitious plans to equip all government offices with rooftop solar power systems to fulfill their electricity needs.
Point of View
This initiative by Tripura reflects a growing trend of regional cooperation in energy supply. The government's proactive approach, coupled with innovative technologies and sustainable practices, positions India as a leader in addressing energy challenges in neighboring countries. Such measures not only enhance energy security but also strengthen diplomatic ties in the region.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current power supply from Tripura to Bangladesh?
Tripura currently supplies over 100 MW of electricity to Bangladesh, with the potential to increase this to 250 MW based on demand.
What technologies is TSECL implementing to improve power generation?
TSECL is introducing combined cycle gas turbine technology to enhance generation efficiency, with a significant investment supported by the World Bank.
Is Tripura planning to supply power to any other countries?
While the focus is currently on Nepal, Tripura is already supplying electricity to Bangladesh and exploring further opportunities in the region.
