Coal India to relocate Durgapur Aerotropolis project

Kolkata: Coal India has proposed minor relocation of the proposed $2.5-billion Durgapur Aerotropolis project by 15 km south from its existing location to ensure extraction of the 1,400 million tonne (mt) of coal reserve equivalent to nearly three years annual consumption of the country identified in the area.

The company has also pointed out that if the airport city project promoted by Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd (BAPL)is not relocated CIL may have to abandon ongoing technology infusion projects to enhance production of the existing underground mines in the area.

“We have submitted our studied opinion on the coal reserves in the area and identified an alternative location for the airport city project 15 km away in Bankura district within the State. The alternative location identified has existing road infrastructure connecting Kolkata. It is now for the Union and the State governments to take a decision on the same,” CIL Chairman, Mr Partha S. Bhattacharyya, said.

A detailed study report submitted by CIL last month indicated that part of the reserve is under CIL lease hold area. The rest may be awarded by the Centre for opening new underground mines.

“We are not against industrialisation of the State. However, the area has good quality low-ash coal reserves which are available in limited quantities in the country and relocation of the Aerotropolis project may help extraction of the same either by CIL or other agencies in the future,” Mr Bhattacharyya said.

On impact of the project on the existing mines, he said at least two existing underground mines, Sarpi and Moira, should be impacted if the project came up at the proposed location.

“We had already invited tenders for commissioning a continuous miner project to enhance production of the Sarpi colliery. The project was estimated to cost Rs 100-125 crore which has to be abandoned if the airport city is not relocated,” he said.

India consumed a little over 500 mt coal in 2007-08. Coal meets 55 per cent of the country’s primary energy requirement.

The total domestic production during the last fiscal was approximately 450 mt of which over 80 per cent was contributed by CIL.