Thangamani urges Centre to grant adequate coal, rakes

Thangamani also wanted the railways to give more coaches for carrying coal, since 13 coaches per day is not sufficient, he said. Thangamani said 72,000 metric tonne of coal per day is required for full generation at Tangedco’s thermal power stations. 

At present, only 13 coal rakes are being supplied as against 16 coal rakes per day as per fuel supply agreement, the Minister said and demanded seven additional rakes per day to meet the requirements, a Tangedco press release said. 

Thangamani also requested to allot the required coal for full generation at North Chennai Thermal Power Station II and Mettur Thermal Power Station II due to insufficient linkage. The Electricity Minister also asked the Union Minister to transfer the coal order signed with Western Coal Fields in Nagpur to Mahanadhi Coal Fields in Odisha. 

The coal order for five lakh tonnes per annum with Western Coal Fields faces logistics problems in rail movement, the Minister added. He also met Union Energy Minister RK Singh and requested him to form a green energy corridor to sell the surplus wind energy produced in the state to other states. 

He sought concessions for those coming forward to invest in offshore wind developer and to bring into operation the second plant in Koodankulam. He also appealed to him to avoid maintenance works in the nuclear reactor during rainy season. 

The Minister also sought the expedition of Cheyyur thermal plant inauguration.