Rationalization of coal linkages is a policy initiative of Ministry of Coal in order to reduce the distance in transportation of coal from the coal mines to the consumer. Coal linkage rationalization in power sector has resulted in decrease in transportation cost from the mines to the power plants leading to more efficient coal base power generation. The exercise helps in reducing the load on the transportation infrastructure, easing the evacuation constraints as well as reduction in landed cost of coal.

The linkage rationalization for State/Central PSUs was implemented initially, based on the recommendation of Inter-Ministerial Task Force (IMTF) which was constituted in June, 2014. Further IMTF was constituted in July, 2017 to rationalize the linkages of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The methodology for rationalization of coal for IPPs/Private sector plants was also issued on 15.05.2018. Another IMTF was constituted in October, 2018 to examine the possibility of further rationalization of coal linkages, including Swapping of imported coal being transported to hinterland with domestic coal transported near coastal areas. The methodology was accepted by the Government and issued on 05.06.2020, which covers the Power as well as Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) and coal swapping with imported coal has also been permitted.

So far, total 98.16 Million Tonnes of coal has been rationalized with annual potential saving of Rs. 6931.86 crore.

(b) to (d):No coal deposit has been reported yet in the Rajasthan State. However, lignite is found in Rajasthan. The details of the lignite resources in the state of Rajasthan as per the Coal/Lignite inventory of India published by GSI as on 01.04.2022 are furnished below-

(Resources in million tonne)

This information was given by the Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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AKN/ RKP