New Delhi, September 13: The Centre and Coal India Limited (CIL) are taking a series of measures to improve coal availability for power plants in Punjab, including additional allocations under the Flexibility Policy and enhanced transportation arrangements.
During the second quarter, 2.30 lakh tonnes of coal was allocated from Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) to Nabha Power Limited (NPL), while 3 lakh tonnes was allocated from Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) to Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL).
However, lifting of the coal against these allocations had not commenced, according to the information available.The additional allocations are expected to provide more fuel to the Punjab-based independent power producers. Officials have stressed that timely lifting of the allocated coal will be essential for improving coal stocks at the power plants.
Coal India and its subsidiaries are also working to strengthen coal availability through the RCR mechanism, along with additional rail-based transportation arrangements.
Efficient utilisation of available railway rakes and timely booking and lifting of coal already offered by CIL have been identified as important factors in improving coal receipts at NPL and TSPL.
The government has emphasised that increasing coal availability requires coordination across the entire supply chain, from allocation and booking to transportation and delivery at the power plant.
The Ministry of Coal and CIL have reiterated their commitment to supplying coal to Punjab under the existing fuel supply arrangements.
The commitment covers both the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and independent power producers operating in the state.Apart from coal supplies arranged through CIL, better utilisation of coal from PSPCL’s captive mines is also considered important for strengthening fuel availability at the state utility’s power plants.
The authorities have also highlighted the need for improved operational performance at PSPCL’s generating stations to make the best use of available fuel.
The measures are aimed at ensuring more reliable coal supplies to power generators and supporting efficient electricity production in Punjab. The timely movement and utilisation of allocated coal will remain crucial to improving coal stocks at the plant end.
