Despite record power demand during Durga Puja, Tripura continues supplying 44-45 MW electricity to Bangladesh. The state has arranged 380 MW to meet festive needs, with Mizoram providing support, ensuring uninterrupted celebrations across both Tripura and Bangladesh.
Despite facing a record surge in electricity demand during the ongoing Durga Puja festivities, Tripura has continued supplying power to neighbouring Bangladesh, fulfilling its cross-border energy commitments. State Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Monday that the state has been supplying 44-45 MW of electricity to Bangladesh every day in line with a previous agreement, even while arranging massive resources to meet its own rising power needs.
“Taking huge efforts, we have arranged 380 MW of electricity to meet the rising demand in the festive season. Mizoram will supply 40 MW of electricity during Durga Puja in Tripura, and we will return the same amount during Christmas to support them,” Nath told reporters.
He emphasized that despite the pressure of peak demand in Tripura, the state has maintained its electricity supply to Bangladesh so that uninterrupted power is available during Puja celebrations there.
Rising Power Demand in Tripura
According to the Power Minister, the peak-hour demand during Durga Puja has seen a significant rise over the years. While demand was 332 MW in 2022, it fell slightly to 311 MW in 2023, then rose to 312 MW in 2024. This year, with the state expecting record consumption of 380 MW, power utilities have been working round the clock to ensure smooth distribution.
To manage the festive season, authorities have also set up special control rooms at both Division and Sub-Division levels for quick response to any power disruptions.
Nath said that around 3,500 Durga Pujas are being organised across Tripura this year, for which Puja committees have already submitted applications. “We are committed to providing an uninterrupted electricity supply so that the state can celebrate Durga Puja without disruptions,” he added.
Bangladesh’s Grand Celebrations
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is also gearing up for its grandest ever Durga Puja celebrations. According to a report published by Bangladesh’s leading daily Prothom Alo, the number of Puja mandaps and temples has increased to 33,355 this year, compared to 31,461 in 2023.
Tripura’s support is crucial in ensuring uninterrupted celebrations, as Bangladesh continues to depend on power supplied from Tripura’s ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) plant in southern Tripura. The state started supplying 100 MW of power to Bangladesh in March 2016 under a bilateral arrangement.
However, officials have raised concerns that Bangladesh owes a large amount of unpaid electricity dues to the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL). While the dues remain unpaid, Tripura has continued honoring its commitment to supply power.
Regional Energy Cooperation
The exchange of electricity between Tripura and neighbouring states also highlights regional energy cooperation. While Mizoram has stepped in to provide 40 MW of power during the festival season, Tripura will reciprocate by supplying electricity to Mizoram during Christmas.
Power Minister Nath, who also holds the Agriculture portfolio, said the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) and Tripura Power Transmission Limited (TPTL) are coordinating efforts to ensure a smooth and reliable supply of electricity during this peak demand period.
Looking Ahead
Durga Puja is not only Tripura’s most celebrated festival but also one of the most energy-intensive times of the year. With colourful lighting, pandals, and festivities stretching late into the night, demand soars dramatically. Despite these challenges, Tripura’s continued commitment to supplying power to Bangladesh while managing its own domestic needs reflects both its resilience and regional responsibility.
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As the festive season continues, authorities remain on high alert, balancing local consumption and cross-border commitments, ensuring that both Tripura and Bangladesh enjoy uninterrupted celebrations of Durga Puja 2025.
