Coal shortage hits thermal power plants
October 2010

Inadequate coal stock is affecting the functioning of thermal power plants across the country. Reports say that out of the 82 thermal power plants, 25 are facing a critical condition with their coal stock set to last less than seven days. Some 13 of these 25 power stations are battling super-critical condition, as their coal stock would last less than four days. Shortage of rakes of the railways is stated to be the main problem. Other thermal power plants too face a problem of coal supply, though to a lesser degree. Coal India officials say it was time the power stations looked around for imported coal as well. About rakes, they say that as against a daily average requirement of around 200 rakes, CIL was getting 160-170 rakes. Transportation of food grains is a matter of top priority for the railways, they said. West Bengal is the most hit, as the state has eight thermal plants with critical coal stock. These include the power stations at Mejia, Bandel, Kolaghat, Sagardihi, Budge Budge, New Cossipore, Farakka, Titagarh.

Contact: Coal India (CIL) Tel: +91 33 2248 8099 Web: www.coalindia.in