KOLKATA (miningweekly.com) – With power demand poised to peak during the summer months and coal shortages at thermal power plant looming large, the Power Ministry is seeking a sharp rise in the availability of rakes for coal transportation from government-owned and -operated Indian Railways.
In the course of meetings between the Power and Railways Ministries, the former has sought that Indian Railways make available at least 500 rakes a day, as stock volumes are below stipulated levels at more than 50 thermal power plants across the country.
The Power Ministry has said that the situation is likely to be aggravated as power demand rises along with the mercury in the summer months ahead.
As things stand now, these thermal power plants are carrying stocks less than ten days equivalent of coal consumption, categorised as ‘super critical’ against a norm of minimum 22 days equivalent consumption of stocks.
To ensure de-bottlenecking of logistical and transportation issues, Power Ministry officials will be posted at various government coal mining companies and ensure coordination between miners and government transporters, government officials says.
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