Vasan flags first bulk coal movement through NW-1

It is also the first time when a private entrepreneur has made substantial investment in the development of IWT in the country.

Jindal ITF Ltd has invested about Rs 500 crore for transshipper at Sandheads, 23 coal carrying barges, inland water terminal at Farakka with coal unloading cranes and a conveyor belt system and transport minimum three million tonnes of coal per annum for seven years for NTPC.  

The project will transport imported coal from the Sandheads to Farraka.

Vasan said, “At present 10 thermal power stations are operational in the proximity of NW-1 and another 11 are expected to come up along the NW-1 in the next 5 to 8 years with total installed capacity of 15,000 MW.” Shipping secretary V Trivedi said an inland waterways corridor from Amritsar to Haldia would help the industry in bulk cargo movement.