Severe Coal Crisis Triggers 1,850 MW Power Deficit in Punjab; Industry Hard-Hit

A severe nationwide coal shortage has triggered a critical power deficit of approximately 1,850 megawatts (MW) in Punjab, disrupting normal life and industrial operations across the state. The supply slump has severely impacted Punjab's share from Central Sector thermal power stations as well as generation at the Rajpura Thermal Plant. Consequently, industrial production in the state has suffered a heavy blow, leading to widespread resentment among business owners, while domestic and agricultural consumers face unannounced power cuts. According to data released by the state power authority, Punjab's allocated share from Central Sector thermal power stations located outside the state stands at approximately 2,814 MW. However, the state is currently receiving an average of only 1,621 MW from these facilities, resulting in a substantial gap of about 1,193 MW. A senior official from the power department stated that reduced generation at central units has directly curtailed the state's allocated supply across various plants. The crisis is further aggravated by output reductions at the Rajpura Thermal Plant, operated by Nabha Power Limited, where coal allocation is managed by the Central Government. The plant, which has a total installed capacity of 1,330 MW, has been operating at nearly half its capacity (around 660 MW) over the past few days due to depleted coal stocks. The combined deficit—1,193 MW from central power stations and 660 MW from the Rajpura plant—has resulted in the overall 1,850 MW deficit for the state. This assessment follows concerns raised by Power Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond regarding the impact of the nationwide shortage. In a statement issued on September 5, the Power Minister noted that coal shortages had reduced generation in Punjab by nearly 1,500 MW, reflecting a broader disruption affecting thermal generation across India. Minister Sond revealed that coal supply deficits have affected nearly 63 gigawatts (GW) of power supply nationwide. He attributed the reduced generation at both the Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo thermal plants to inadequate coal supplies from the central pool. Urging prompt action, the Minister appealed to the Central Government to take concrete steps to resolve the fuel crisis and restore uninterrupted power to industries and households.