The dedicated freight corridor has emerged as a crucial factor in mitigating coal supply shortages to thermal power plants, particularly during the peak summer season when power consumption surges to new heights.
The inadequacy of infrastructure for coal evacuation and transportation has historically been a major challenge, often leading to fuel shortages at thermal power plants. This situation is exacerbated by Indian Railways’ frequent inability to provide sufficient rakes for coal movement. This year, however, the scenario has changed markedly. The operationalisation of the dedicated freight corridor has played a pivotal role in ensuring a steady supply of coal, even as power demand continues to climb. For instance, on 23 May, when India’s power demand soared to a record 236.59 gigawatts (GW), thermal power plants were consuming 4.4% more coal compared to the same period last year. This uptick in coal usage underscores the critical need for efficient coal transportation mechanisms to sustain high power generation levels.
The dedicated freight corridor, by prioritising freight movement and reducing congestion on existing rail lines, has significantly improved the logistics of coal supply. This infrastructure enhancement has enabled more reliable and timely delivery of coal to power plants, thus maintaining adequate coal stocks despite escalating demand. The streamlined supply chain has alleviated the perennial summer shortages that have historically plagued the power sector. As India’s energy consumption patterns evolve, the demand for coal at thermal power plants is expected to remain robust. The dedicated freight corridor’s contribution to stabilising coal supplies highlights the need for continued investment in specialised infrastructure to support the country’s energy needs. By ensuring the seamless movement of coal, the freight corridor not only addresses immediate supply challenges but also sets the stage for more resilient and efficient energy logistics in the long term
This improvement in coal logistics comes at a crucial time when the power sector is under immense pressure to meet rising demand. Efficient coal transportation is essential for maintaining continuous power generation, especially during peak periods. The dedicated freight corridor has proven to be a game-changer, providing a reliable solution to one of the most pressing issues in India’s power sector.
“Despite the high coal demand, the number of power plants with critical coal stock has gone down significantly. Not just that. The power plants dependent on domestic coal have just about 16 days of coal stock with them, which is far below the stocking norms mandated by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA),” said an official at Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL).
