Ports such as Mundra, Paradip and Ennore handle maximum coal traffic in India. But, in incremental terms, Mundra has handled more coal than Paradip, according to the latest available data.

In this fiscal, Paradip Port handled 18.3 million tonnes (mt) coal for the first seven months, while Mundra Port handled 17.87mt traffic for six months and Ennore handled 12.28 mt for seven months, according to Gujarat Maritime Board and Indian Ports Association data.

Mundra handled 9.9 million tonnes coal in six months, which is more than Paradip’s 4.4 mt in seven months and Ennore’s 4.5 mt handled in the seven-month period.

Meanwhile, Dahej Port, under Gujarat, handled 1.8 mt in six months, which is more than the 1.3 mt handled by Dhamra for the seven-month period.

Coal traffic handled by ports depend on power, cement and steel plants located in the vicinity. For instance, Tata Power’s 4,000 MW ultra mega power plant and Adani Power’s 4,620 MW plant , get their entire supply of coal via Mundra port. State-run NTPC imports coal via Paradip to feed its power plants in West Bengal and Bihar.

According to Anand V. Sharma, Director, Mantrana Maritime Advisory, Mundra Port handles coal for itself, for Tata Power and other power plants in central and north India. From Dahej, one of the prominent importers is Hindalco, he added. Similarly, the Sanjiv Goenka-promoted CESC imports coal via Kakinada port for its power project in Maharashtra.

This year, the power sector is expected to import an estimated 82-83 mt coal. In addition, Coal India may also import 4-5 mt , if required, to meet fuel supply commitments, said S. Narsing Rao, Chairman, Coal India.

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