PSPCL HITS PEAK CAPACITY AT PACHHWARA MINE IN FY 2024-25: HARBHAJAN SINGH ETO
COAL MINE REVIVAL SAVES PUNJAB POWER SECTOR RS 950 CRORE
Chandigarh, April 1:
In a significant step toward securing a reliable and cost-efficient coal supply for its thermal power plants, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has achieved a landmark by reaching the peak rated capacity of 70 lakh tonnes at the Pachhwara Central Coal Mine in FY 2024-25. Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO announced this milestone in a press communiqué issued today.
Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO credited the revival of the Pachhwara Mine—dormant since March 31, 2015—to the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Operations resumed in December 2022, and since then, the mine has delivered 115 lakh tonnes of coal to PSPCL’s thermal plants, saving an estimated Rs 950 crore compared to coal sourced from Coal India Limited (CIL). This has substantially lowered power generation costs.
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The minister emphasized that hitting peak capacity reflects the Mann-led government’s focus on energy security, operational efficiency, and fiscal discipline. “This achievement boosts self-reliance in coal procurement, reduces reliance on external suppliers, and ensures a stable power supply for Punjab,” he said.
Harbhajan Singh ETO hailed the success as a testament to PSPCL’s commitment to Punjab’s energy future. “By securing a steady, cost-effective coal supply, we’re ensuring reliable and affordable electricity for consumers,” he stated, noting that this milestone will bolster the state’s power infrastructure and help keep electricity tariffs stable.
The minister also highlighted that reviving the mine allowed PSPCL to redirect its Coal India linkage to independent power producers (IPPs) at Talwandi Sabo and Rajpura under the flexi policy. This shift has eliminated the need for imported or alternative coal, conserving valuable foreign exchange. Additionally, the high-quality coal from Pachhwara has markedly improved the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of PSPCL’s thermal power plants.
