Coal handling operations at Paradip port reviewed

In a move to step up supply of thermal coal to coal fired plants , top officials of the power ministry reviewed the coal handling operations at the Paradip port which handles almost the entire coal movement to various parts of the country.

Wagon movement to the port was below the capacity

During the review meeting held a few days ago it was found that wagon movement to the port was below the capacity and rail connectivity projects of the railways from the collieries to the port need to be stepped up. Railways promised the power ministry officials that it would strive to complete the connectivity projects before July this year. The Port also promised to step up coal handling capacity by October this year.

Union Power Secretary Alok Kumar along with additional Secretary Vivek Kumar Dewangan took stock of the domestic thermal coal evacuation systems in Paradip Port..

Power secretary Kumar inspected the infrastructure and modernization projects at the east coast port which supplies thermal coal to southern thermal plants. He visited the hoper and mechanized coal handling plant to get a first-hand experience of the procedures and issues involved to augment coal supply through Paradip Port.

The Secretary also chaired a review meeting on coal supply to power plants with the Chairman of Paradip Port Authority (PPA) PL Haranadh, took stock of the domestic thermal coal evacuation systems in Paradip Port.

Paradip port has the capacity to unload 41 thermal coal rakes per day against the current supply of 31 rakes. The capacity is likely to be enhanced to 46 rakes per day by July and 57 rakes by October this year. Representatives from various power generating companies (gencos) requested for supply of more thermal coal rakes.

The Power secretary also reviewed the rail connectivity projects like Sambalpur-Talcher doubling work, quadrupling of Jharpada-Budhapank and BudhapankSalegaon besides auto-signaling between Cuttack and Paradip.

The Power Secretary instructed the railway authorities to complete various ongoing projects like electrification in the new BOT bulb and shifting of IFFCOs fertilizer handling at the port to Concor’s Multi Modal Logistics Park. Railway officials assured to complete the connectivity projects by July 2022.