Jharsuguda: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday inaugurated the new Merry-Go-Round (MGR) system of State PSU Odisha Power Generation Corporation Ltd (OPGC) through virtual mode.
The OPGC has organized a special event organized today in this regard at the Manoharpur coal loading platform. Energy Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra flagged off the coal rake movement on this MGR from Manoharpur coal mines of Odisha Coal & Power Ltd (OCPL) located in Sundergarh district to OPGC’s IB Thermal Power Station at Banharpali, Jharsuguda.
The Merry-Go-Round (MGR) system is a dedicated rail transport line between the coal mines of Odisha Coal & Power Ltd. (OCPL) and IB Thermal Power Station (ITPS) of OPGC for hassle-free coal transportation, enhancing fuel security to the power plant operated by OPGC.
Manoharpur coal mine was allocated to OCPL in 2015 to cater to the coal requirements of power generating units of OPGC.
The ITPS to Manoharpur mines MGR line is 47 km long, while the track including loop lines and sidings is 66 km, which makes it one of the longest MGR systems in the country, an official said.
As many as 123 bridges are constructed on this MGR system, out of which 18 are major bridges, 105 are minor bridges &culverts. Out of major bridges, one Rail over Rail Bridge (ROR) is constructed over Howrah-Mumbai Rail line of Indian Railways, he said.
The official further said one more ROR is built over National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) rail line while another major Road under Bridge (RUB) is constructed to cross National Highway near Belpahar.
This MGR line has five stations – ITPS, Chharla, Gidhaghara, Kechhobahal & OCPL-Manoharpur – two of which are end stations and three are intermediate stations. The stations at Chharla & Manoharpur have concrete platforms with loading facilities to load coal into rakes.
Today, OPGC has firmly established its credentials as a successful power generating company both technically and commercially by providing safe, clean and reliable power.
Today’s event marks the successful completion of its MGR project and start of rake movement from OCPL’s Manoharpur coal mines.
Among others, MPs Suresh Kumar Pujari & Jual Oram and Sundergarh MLA KusumTete graced the event as guests of honour. Local representatives of both Sundergarh and Jharsuguda districts witnessed today’s momentous event in the presence of senior officials of OPGC and OCPL.
With this, OPGC is all set to be self-reliant on its coal requirement and has taken a big leap forward in attaining the vision of becoming a world-class power utility committed to generate clean, safe and reliable power, enhancing value for all stakeholders and contributing to State’s and Nation’s growth.