Energy crisis in India: trains requisitioned, millions of travelers stranded

The Indian government has requisitioned 650 train lines to transport coal to the country's power plants, an emergency measure which, however, affects millions of workers across the country.

(Illustrative image) AFP - DIBYANGSHU SARKAR

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In order to get coal to power stations to respond to the energy crisis, the Indian government has commandeered hundreds of train lines.

This emergency measure affects millions of workers across the country.

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In India, some railway lines will remain closed until May 8, others until the end of the month.

In order to meet the peak in electricity demand, the government has requisitioned 650 train lines to transport coal to the country's power stations.

Coal provides 75% of the country's energy.

Unusually warm March and April

pushed up energy demand.

In the Indian megalopolis of New Delhi, where the temperature reached 43.5°C on Friday April 29, the authorities estimated yesterday that there was " 

less than a day's worth of coal

 " left in stock in many power stations.

Coal reserves at Indian power plants have indeed shrunk by nearly 17% since early April, falling to barely a third of required levels.

Whole country affected

Millions of travelers, especially in the coal-producing states in the east and center of the country, therefore find themselves stranded, without knowing when they will be able to take the train, reports our correspondent in New Delhi,

Antoine Guinard

.

This emergency measure is disrupting the whole country, especially seasonal agricultural workers who travel to their home areas at this time of year to work in the fields.

Conversely, many daily workers who travel to the city to earn a living could be affected by this interruption in rail traffic.

With 13,000 lines and over 60,000 kilometers of track, India's rail network is the largest in the world.

It is vital, because it is also the least expensive means of transport for the two-thirds of the population who live on less than two dollars a day.

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  • India

  • Transportation

  • Energies