Bangladesh has formally requested a significant increase in electricity imports from the Indian state of Tripura, asking for 250 megawatts (MW) to help address its growing energy deficit, according to officials. Currently, Tripura supplies Bangladesh with 50-80 MW of electricity daily through the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL). However, Bangladesh’s rising demand and energy shortages have prompted calls for a steady supply of at least 250 MW.
Biswajit Basu, Managing Director of TSECL, confirmed ongoing discussions to increase the power supply to Bangladesh. “To enhance supply, approvals and clearances from the Central government are essential, as we need to sign an agreement and complete necessary formalities,” Basu said. Bangladesh has been a consistent neighbor in meeting financial obligations, with regular payments made to TSECL.
Bangladesh first started receiving power from Tripura in March 2016, following a historic agreement that facilitated the supply of 100 MW from the ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) gas-based power plant in Palatana, about 65 kilometers south of Agartala. Occasionally, this power supply has surged to as high as 160 MW to meet peak demands in Bangladesh.
The OTPC plant in Palatana is a joint venture between Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd, IDFC Bank, and the Tripura government. With a capacity of 726 MW, it is the largest gas-based power plant in Northeast India, producing electricity that meets approximately 35% of the power needs of seven northeastern states, excluding Sikkim. The Rs 10,000 crore facility was built in 2013, thanks in part to an agreement with Bangladesh allowing heavy equipment transport across its territory.
Notably, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) acts as the nodal agency for electricity transactions between Tripura and Bangladesh, which highlights cross-border energy cooperation between New Delhi and Dhaka. The plant’s production supports not only Bangladesh but also other northeastern Indian states, with power generation supplied primarily by gas sourced from the region.
Apart from OTPC, Tripura has several other gas-powered thermal projects managed by both the state government and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), a central government public sector utility. TSECL officials highlighted that while the corporation awaits nearly Rs 500 crore in dues from Tripura’s domestic consumers, Bangladesh has largely maintained timely payments.
In 2020, TSECL also supplied 40 MW to Nepal temporarily, though the deal was not extended due to lack of renewed interest from Nepalese authorities.
As discussions for increased power supply continue, the energy partnership between Tripura and Bangladesh remains a positive model of regional cooperation, with both sides showing commitment to maintaining and potentially expanding power-sharing arrangements to meet rising demands.
