Chandrapur Pipe Conveyor Scheme – Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MSPGCL)
Chandrapur Pipe Conveyor Scheme
Problem
- Transportation of coal by road caused vehicular pollution and spillage along travel routes.
- Surface coal transport led to transit losses and inconsistent quality/quantity of coal.
- Dependence on trucks increased environmental and safety risks in surrounding areas.
- Land acquisition issues and right-of-way charges created delays and cost escalations.
- Compliance requirement from the Ministry of Power to implement closed belt conveyors within 20 km of pitheads.
Solution
- Implemented a 6.1 km pipe conveyor (capacity: 500 TPH, ~6,000 tons/day) from WCL’s Bhatadi Coal Mine to Padmapur Wagon Loading Station.
- Adopted a closed belt conveyor system as per Government of India guidelines.
- Engaged EPC contractor ThyssenKrupp Industries India Ltd, ensuring world-class design and execution.
- Developed an environmentally friendly transport mode reducing dust, emissions, and road dependency.
- Coordinated between projects and O&M wings for commissioning, trials, and operational integration.
Outcomes
- Achieved sustainable and reliable coal transport minimizing pollution and transit losses.
- Ensured consistent quality and quantity of coal supply to Chandrapur Thermal Power Station.
- Complied with Ministry of Power directives, setting a replicable model for other plants.
- Significantly reduced road traffic, accidents, and local environmental hazards.
- Supported future replication (already guiding a similar project at Khaperkheda TPS).
SKOCH Award Nominee
Category: Government Undertaking
Sub-Category: secGovernment Undertaking
Project: Chandrapur Pipe Conveyor Scheme
Start Date: 2-14-2017
Organisation: Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MSPGCL)
Respondent: Radhakrishnan B.
http://www.mahagenco.in/
Level: Club Star
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Case Study
Chandrapur Pipe Conveyor Scheme
To meet the Government of India’s mandate for reducing environmental pollution from coal transport, MAHAGENCO implemented the Chandrapur Pipe Conveyor Scheme at Chandrapur Thermal Power Station. The project replaced the traditional, pollution-prone truck-based coal supply chain with a closed-loop pipe conveyor system that ensures sustainable, loss-free, and efficient coal delivery from WCL’s Bhatadi Coal Mine to the Padmapur Loading Station.
Initiated under the Ministry of Power’s 2018 directive, the project was awarded to M/s ThyssenKrupp Industries India Ltd. under an EPC model. The 6.1 km system, with a carrying capacity of 500 tons per hour, was designed to transport nearly 6,000 tons of coal daily. Implementation began in May 2018 but encountered significant hurdles, including land acquisition challenges, right-of-way clearances, and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, the project was successfully completed in October 2021.
The conveyor design incorporated environmental safeguards, continuous enclosures, and robust civil foundations to overcome difficult mine terrain. Strong oversight by MAHAGENCO leadership and close coordination with Western Coalfields Ltd. ensured adherence to safety and operational requirements. Today, the system reduces pollution, decongests roads, and aligns with national clean energy directives. It serves as a replicable model for sustainable coal transport, already guiding similar projects like Khaperkheda.
For more information, please contact:
Radhakrishnan B. at md@mahagenco.in
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