NTPC’s implemented idea of using inland waterways to transport coal from Kolkata to its Farakka based power plant is suffering because of Kolkata port congestion and consequent inability of coal clearance through customs.
NTPC started moving coal from 25th October. But as reported by the Kolkata port officials NTPC’s first consignment of 2,800 MT in a barge, stuck at port from last 8 days because of port congestion and inability in custom clearance of cargo.
SK Das, commissioner of customs for ports has said to media “The barges are yet to be cleared as they haven’t been able to dock because berths aren’t available at Kolkata Port”. Inspections will be completed as soon as the vessels find berths, he added.
Land customs has already conducted its inspection, said a person aware of this.
However, NTPC’s shipment is seeking no-objection certificate from port customs before final clearance. The coal is being carried on two barges and is headed for NTPC’s Farakka Thermal Power Station.
Officials said that the delay is likely to result in declining stocks, leading to a reduction in power generation at the station. This in turn will affect power supply in West Bengal as Farakka supplies around 250 MW to Bengal.
NTPC has drawn up a project to import and transport at least 3 MnT of coal every year through rivers in the eastern region. This coal will be unloaded from a mother ship to loader vessels near Sagar Island.
The loader vessel will dump the coal on barges that will travel about 500 Km through inland waterways to Farakka. The plan also includes eventually transporting the coal further upstream to the Barh Thermal Power Project, about 1,000 km from Sagar Island.
“This is the first attempt by any power company to transport coal through such large distances on river in the region. However, procedural delays have cropped up,” a NTPC official said.
The arrangement will save NTPC money as the mode is cheaper than rail besides overcoming poor wagon availability. Farakka and Kahalgaon face coal availability issues due to the scarcity of wagons at Indian Railways.
NTPC has entered into a seven-year contract with Jindal ITF for importing at least 3 MnT of coal every year.
The entire waterway transport system — unloading, loading and transport — is being managed by Jindal ITF, an OP Jindal Group company. According to NTPC officials, Jindal ITF will be investing Rs 500 crore in setting up the entire facility and arranging for barges.
-Sourced
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