Kataiya–Kushaha 132 kV Cross-Border Interconnection
- Page status
- Registry record
- Updated
- 2026-05-13
The oldest Nepal–India interconnection still in operation — the historic first link that defined the Nepal–India power trade template. Originally energised in 1971 at 33 kV, upgraded to 132 kV, it has been through five decades of bilateral tariff and exchange-rate politics.
Summary
The Kataiya-Kushaha 132 kV interconnection is the oldest operating Nepal-India grid link. The page tracks its historic role as the first Nepal-India interconnection and its continued eastern Terai import function.
Key Facts
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 132 kV (originally 33 kV) |
| Status | Operational (since 1971) |
| Nepal terminal | Kushaha (Sunsari) |
| India terminal | Kataiya (Bihar) |
| Historic role | First Nepal–India grid tie |
| Direction | Predominantly imports into eastern Nepal |
| Interconnection ID | kataiya_kushaha |
Significance
- Origin point of the Nepal–India grid relationship. Every later interconnection inherits contractual and technical conventions established here.
- Eastern Terai import backbone. Still the principal import route for dry-season supply to Saptari–Siraha–Sunsari, where domestic eastern generation is thin.
- Legacy accounting reference. Many of the bilateral power trade arrangements (e.g. the Radhika energy exchange protocol) were framed around this single link.
Limitations & Controversies
- Legacy voltage. 132 kV thermal capacity is small relative to the region's modern load. During load growth spikes it has required load shedding or emergency procurement.
- Planned upgrade path unclear. Discussions to convert or parallel with a 220 kV link have not progressed beyond feasibility notes.
See also
- India — Energy Relationship with Nepal
- Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur 400 kV Cross-Border Interconnection — the successor 400 kV era
- Hydro-Geopolitics