The Coal Ministry’s Standing Linkage Committee (Long-Term) (SLC-LT) for the power sector is set to review the Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Limited (TNPGCL)’s request for a one-year extension of coal linkage for the expansion of the Ennore Thermal Power Station (ETPS).
TNPGCL had approached the Coal Ministry through a letter dated June 30, 2026, seeking an extension of the coal linkage under the revised SHAKTI policy. The existing linkage for the ETPS expansion project is valid until August 7, 2026.
According to the Coal Ministry, TNPGCL cited delays in the procurement process as the key reason for seeking the extension. The state power generation utility informed the committee that the deadline for the tender floated to procure power from the ETPS expansion project has been extended from May 20 to July 15, 2026.
The delay is also linked to an unresolved pre-bid query concerning the project’s completion timeline. TNPGCL said the matter is based on a recommendation or decision to be taken by the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board (TNIDB).
The TNIDB has informed TNPGCL that a decision on the pre-bid query can be taken only after consultation with the Tamil Nadu government, following the formation of the new state government.
TNPGCL has pointed out that with the tender deadline extended to July 15, the successful bidder would be identified only thereafter. The utility has therefore sought additional time to retain the coal linkage and complete the bidding process.
The coal linkage was originally earmarked by the SLC-LT at its July 29, 2025 meeting from Coal India Limited (CIL) for a proposed capacity of 660 MW.
While approving the linkage, the committee had stipulated that the Tamil Nadu government must identify the successful bidder within one year from the date of earmarking the coal linkage. Failure to do so would result in the earmarked linkage lapsing.
The upcoming review by the SLC-LT will therefore be crucial for the ETPS expansion project, as an extension of the linkage would provide TNPGCL additional time to complete the tendering process and secure the power procurement arrangement.
