NTPC to get back cancelled coal blocks in a week

New Delhi : In a major development for Maharatna power generator NTPC Ltd, the coal ministry is set to restore its five captive coal block allotments in a week. The blocks were cancelled earlier this year on grounds of delays. The move would boost the plans of the Rs 57,000-crore company to more than double generation capacity to 75,000 Mw by ramping up in-house coal production to 47 million tonne (mt) per annum, one-fourth of its coal requirement over the next five years.

The decision has been prompted by a mix of factors including an urgent need to bridge the burgeoning gap in coal demand and supply, firm commitment of rapid development of the blocks from NTPC, the huge investments already made by the company on power projects linked to the blocks, pressure from the power ministry for restoring the blocks and the recent coal supply crisis.