NTPC, Inland Water Authority of India (IWAI) and Jindal ITF had signed a Tripartite Agreement in New Delhi for transportation of coal from east coast of India to NTPC’s 2100 MW power plant located at Farakka, District Murshidabad, West Bengal through inland waterways. Jindal ITF had been selected as an operator by NTPC and IWAI through a International Competitive Bidding process.

The agreement was signed by Shri S.N. Goel, ED (Fuel Security), NTPC, Shri S.K. Shahi, Secretary IWAI, Shri Probal Ghosh, CEO, JITF in the presence of Smt. Bhupinder Prasad, Chairperson, ICWAI, Shri Indresh Batra, VC& MD, JITF as well as Shri Arup Roy Choudhury and Directors of NTPC.

The project will employ a trans-shipper, anchored in high seas near Haldia port on east coast on which coal from ocean going vessels will be unloaded in high seas and further loaded into barges for transportation to NTPC Farakka Power Station.

Considering the constraints of Indian port sector, this project is bound to bring a paradigm shift in import of dry bulk cargo in Indian shipping sector. This project includes the operation of the biggest barge fleet in India along National Waterway no. 1, connecting Haldia and Allahabad, as well as will promote use of inland waterways.