Key Points:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated the Merry Go Round (MGR) railway system, connecting the Talaipalli Coal Mine to the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Lara Super Thermal Power Station, in Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh.
- This 65-kilometer-long electrified MGR system is expected to play a crucial role in the production of low-cost and reliable power from NTPC Lara, enhancing India’s energy security.
- The project, valued at Rs 2,071 crore, will transport low-cost and high-grade coal from NTPC’s Talaipalli coal mine to the 1,600 MW NTPC Lara Super Thermal Power Station.
- The MGR system will also connect to the major railway line between Howrah and Mumbai, enabling coal transport to other parts of the country. It features over 200 bridges and culverts along its route, including a 61-meter Girder Bridge over the existing railway line at Kotarlia.
What is a Merry-Go-Round Railway System?
A Merry-Go-Round train (MGR) is a type of block train consisting of hopper wagons that load and unload cargo while in motion. In the United Kingdom, these trains are commonly used for transporting coal to power plants.
The MGR concept was introduced in the 1960s, often in response to changes in transportation and infrastructure, including new power plants and loading facilities. Notable features of MGR systems include:
- Privately owned terminals at both ends of the system.
- Customer-supplied rail lines connecting the two terminals.
- Provision of locomotives, wagons, brake vans, and other rolling stock by the railways to operate MGR rakes.
- Operational terminals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Lump-sum pricing based on the number of loaded rakes per day and the traffic lead for the MGR system.
The dedication of the MGR system is expected to significantly contribute to India’s power generation and energy security, allowing for efficient transportation of coal to power stations.
