Jharkhandinc Bureau
RANCHI, March 15: Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) on Saturday organised an interaction with NRS Linkage and CIL SWMA e-auction consumers to discuss coal dispatch, consumer requirements and operational issues related to coal lifting.
The meeting was chaired by BCCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Manoj Kumar Agarwal and attended by coal traders, industry representatives and consumers associated with the company.
According to the Coal Ministry, the interaction aimed to promote better coal dispatch and ensure effective clearance of available coal stocks while strengthening coordination between the company and its consumers.
Addressing the participants, Agarwal said BCCL remains committed to safeguarding the interests of its consumers and ensuring timely coal supply. He said maintaining coal quality, transparency in operations and efficient dispatch remain key priorities for the company.
He also said such interactions help improve coordination between the company and consumers and provide a platform for addressing operational issues.
Officials said the meeting included discussions on various provisions and facilities available for coal consumers as well as promotional initiatives aimed at expanding the consumer base.
Besides supplying coal to the power sector, BCCL is also focusing on increasing dispatch to NRS Linkage and e-auction consumers, including industries in the steel sector.
During the meeting, officials informed participants that large quantities of coal are being offered under the NRS Linkage Auction. In the recently conducted Tranche IX auction, around 20 million tonnes of coal were offered for different industrial sectors.
The company also highlighted a cash discount scheme introduced under the e-auction mechanism to encourage higher coal lifting by consumers.
Under the scheme, discounts ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 600 per tonne are being offered depending on the quantity of coal lifted. The discount structure is linked to the volume of coal transported either through road or rail mode.
Officials said steps are also being taken to ensure timely issuance of quotas and allotments so that consumers can lift coal without delays.
To speed up approvals related to mining challan permits, BCCL has coordinated with the Dhanbad district administration and the District Mining Officer, allowing permits to be issued within two to three days.
The company has also introduced a wallet-based system to facilitate quicker approvals.
Issues related to coal quality were also discussed during the meeting. Officials said area general managers have been instructed to monitor coal quality at mine sites and during transportation to ensure that consumers receive the required grade of coal.
According to BCCL, senior officials are also addressing operational challenges faced by consumers during coal lifting, including local logistical and law-and-order issues.
