Gangavaram Port, RINL Deny Disruption in Coal, Limestone Supply to Steel Plant

Visakhapatnam: Managements of the Gangavaram Port Services (India) and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd, a corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, denied an allegation on Friday that there was a disruption of coal and limestone supply to the steel plant.

Trade unions of RINL-VSP alleged that the Adani Gangavaram Port was not delivering imported coal and limestone to Vizag Steel Plant.

A spokesperson of the Gangavaram Port said the port has been providing cargo handling services to RINL despite delayed payments and outstanding dues. Payments were not given for the past 6 months. The spokesperson also said the Adani Group has no interest in the privatization process of RINL.

Denying “total disruptions” of supply, an official of RINL said there was “no truth in the reports of a total cutting off of the supply.”

“Like other PSUs, RINL also has some financial issues. With regard to the logistic support being given by the Gangavaram Port, the issue was periodically being sorted out by both the management,’’ the official said.

Trade union leader Varasala Srinivas said RINL owed the port Rs 56 crore towards cargo-handling and the amount was being given at regular intervals.

“On one pretext or the other, the port is delaying supply of imported coking coal and limestone through the only conveyor belt that connects the port and steel plant,’’ he alleged.

District secretary of CPI(M), Jaggu Naidu, said the agreement entered into and by Gangavaram Port and RINL was valid till 2026. Violating the agreement, the port enhanced the cargo handling charges, putting an additional burden of Rs 75 crore on RINL. As a part of the old dues, the port has been demanding another Rs 14 crore, he said.