Coal news and updates

Rakes shortage hits Krishnapatnam despatches

November 13: Shortage of rakes and several restrictions from Railways are hampering coal despatches from Krishnapatnam Port to various power plants in central India, an official from the port told ICMW.

“During the month of October, our average rake requirement was 18-20 per day. We need more rakes as coal imports are increasing consistently. Keeping the current demand scenario in mind, we need 20 rakes per day at any cost,” the official said.

“KSK Energy is developing a 3,600-MW imported coal-based power project near Bilaspur and it is our prime customer. We supply cargo from Krishnapatnam but Railways have put certain clauses which KSK is not accepting. We are talking to Railways but are yet to receive feedback,” he added.

He said ports situated on the west coast have better access to rakes for carrying coal to the power plants situated in central India. “Railways have given approval to west coast ports to move coal to distant areas such as Chhattisgarh. However, they have not given permission to carry coal from the east coast and that is the problem,” he said.

Explaining further, he said Railways are not giving permission due to traffic congestion.

“From the south to the east there is higher rail traffic which has created congestion. But from the west to the east the traffic is comparatively less. Therefore, connectivity from ports in Gujarat or Maharashtra to Chhattisgarh or Nagpur is better than rail connectivity from Krishnapatnam, Gangavaram or Vizag. Rail connectivity to these areas is not up to the mark. So Railways are not giving approval due to their own constraints,” he added.