New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS): Power generation major NTPC on Wednesday said that the newly constructed railway bridge on the river Bhima will help it bring down the transportation cost of coal to its Kudgi super thermal power station in Karnataka and consequently the power generated there.
The transportation cost of coal is expected to come down by around Rs 200-500 per metric tonne (MT), thereby bringing down the cost of electricity generation too. The transit time will also be reduced by 8-15 hours.
"The newly constructed 670-metre bridge, the longest in South Western Railway, will benefit the NTPC Kudgi by helping reduce the cost of power generation. It will also help the Railways by handling more material with the available infrastructure," an NTPC statement said.
The NTPC has provided assistance in doubling of the lines on the existing tracks from Hotgi in Maharashtra to Kudgi in Karnataka, apart from help in the construction of the bridge.
"Besides, with the availability of double lines, travel time from Sholapur in Maharashtra to Gadag in Karnataka will be reduced, saving the travel time of passengers."
Haulage of heavy load on the old bridge is restricted, with the result that most traffic is diverted through Guntakal to Bellary-Gadag route.
"The NTPC is awaiting final approval from the South Western Railway and will start operations on the bridge as soon as it gets the clearance," the statement said.
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