By deciding to construct an additional coal berth at a cost of Rs 270 crore, the Ennore Port (EPL) is to take on the competition from the Krishnapatnam and Karaikal ports on the eastern coast of India. To handle about 12 million tonne per annum (mtpa) EPL has two coal berths.
Now the Ennore port would be improved to 16 million tonne (mt) by June 2014. About 50 per cent of coal is meant for Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation and rest for private players.
EPL moves coal to power plants in Mettur, Vallur and North Chennai by 4 to 5 rakes per day. The coal berths are operated by private firms.