Assam: Around 130 coal-laden vehicles stuck at West Bengal border, traders raise concern

Around 130 vehicles carrying coal purchased through the e-auction of Northeastern Coalfields (NEC), Coal India Limited (CIL), Margherita, have reportedly remained stranded at the Barobisa check gate along the West Bengal border, triggering concerns among coal traders over mounting financial losses and uncertainty surrounding the business.

According to the Northeastern Coal Traders Association (NECTA), the vehicles had departed from Margherita on October 28 for different destinations outside the state after completing the required formalities and complying with applicable government rules and regulations. However, they were allegedly detained at the Barobisa check gate, leaving the traders unable to transport their consignments.

The association said that despite repeated attempts to contact the concerned departmental authorities and seek clarification, no satisfactory response had been received so far. The prolonged detention of the vehicles has created difficulties for traders, with the future of their coal business increasingly uncertain.

On Saturday, representatives of NECTA raised the issue before the media outside the office of the General Manager of Northeastern Coalfields, CIL, in Margherita, highlighting the difficulties faced by traders.

Maintaining that the coal transportation process had been carried out in accordance with the applicable legal provisions, the association appealed to the concerned authorities to intervene and ensure the immediate release of the coal-laden vehicles stranded at the Barobisa border.

The association also expressed concern over the continued uncertainty, stating that the delay had placed coal traders in a difficult position despite their compliance with the prescribed procedures.