Excessive rains and a strike by
Coal India workers' union had led to a shortfall in coal production by 17.95
million tonnes in the last two months. But production bounced back in November.
Available estimates suggest that
till November 27, production has crossed 34 million tonne, which is similar to
the total production during the month of October 2011. “We are expecting a 4-5
per cent production growth in November and December,” a company source said.
The higher production, however,
has not been free from its share of worries on transportation front.
The coal offtake in
October-November has fallen short of the production by approximately 2 million
tonne, indicating an accumulation of pit-head stock.
Company sources, are however,
confident that railways will come to the rescue of CIL by offering more rakes. “We are now getting nearly 180 rakes a day, which is nearly 12-13 rakes a day
higher than last year. We are hopeful that additional rakes will be put into
service by the railways to ensure distribution of coal to consumers,” the
official said.
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