Disruption in train services may further hit coal supply in Punjab

Aman Sood

Patiala, June 18

The countrywide agitation against the Centre’s Agnipath scheme has disturbed railway services, resulting in further delays in coal supply to Punjab and other northern states.

Train services have been stopped in some states as violence continues over the new recruitment scheme.

“This may disrupt the movement of coal rakes specifically to Punjab and other northern states, located far away from coal mines in Jharkhand,” said a top Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) functionary. “Consumers can expect a price hike in power ranging from 70 paise to

Re 1 per unit, depending on the imported coal consumption to meet the peak paddy season demand. With this

agitation, there could be further delays in train movements, delaying coal supply,” added the official.

A senior functionary confirmed that at present Ropar had coal stock for 16 days, Lehra Mohabbat 15 days and Rajpura 21 days. However, the coal stock at Talwandi Sabo is just sufficient for five days and at Goindwal Sahib for one day only.

As of now three of the four units of Ropar, two of the four units of Lehra, both units of Rajpura, all three units of Talwandi Sabo and one of the two units of Goindwal Sahib thermal plants are running.

“From yesterday, eight-hour power supply has been started for paddy sowing. Although due to the fall in temperature due to the rain in some parts of the state, power demand is hovering around 12,000 MW. But demand is expected to increase to 15,000 MW in the coming days when transplantation starts at the full swing,” said another PSPCL officer.

The PSPCL is expecting start of coal supply from its Pachhwara coal mine by June-end, but with agitating youth targeting railways infrastructure, it may not happen.

Already Punjab’s power demand is high this season and the limited coal stock has added to the worries of the PSPCL.