Electricity crisis looms over Punjab as Railways blocks coal supply

Trains to remain suspended for now: Railway Board CEO

Punjab is staring at an electricity crisis with three of the state’s five power plants running out of coal stock.

A farmer’s agitation in Punjab, called in protest against the farm laws passed by the Centre, led the Indian Railways to stop freight services, fearing damage. With coal supply affected, the state has started enforcing power cuts since the generation units have limited stock.

Railways suspended freight operations in the state on October 1, partially resumed services on October 23 and then suspended again.

As of November 4, coal availability (as number of days) was zero at three of Punjab’s thermal power plants.