Thermal coal cargo throughput at major ports up

The country’s major ports saw 22 per cent jump in imported thermal coal cargo at 71.60 million tonne (mt) in 2013. Handling of coking coal, which is used mainly for steel-making, witnessed an 18.26 per cent increase, ranging from 18 to 33.12 million tonne, according to the latest data by the Indian Ports Association (IPA).

These 12 major ports had handled 58.65 mt and 28 mt of thermal and coking coal, respectively in 2012-13. Altogether, they handled 105 mt coal during the last fiscal, against 87 mt in 2012-13. Imports have been increasing in the wake of Coal India not being able to enhance production on account of various reasons.