Local activists block coal deliveries in support of India’s Nalco

A local politician led hundreds of political activists in blocking the Budhapank railway station in the eastern Indian state of Orissa. All coal-carrying trains to other states were paralysed to protest the lack of coal supplies affecting state aluminium producer Nalco’s operations in Orissa. The company has been forced to close a couple of its power units, although the exact impact, if any, on metal production is uncertain at this time. The local activists have threatened to step up their action if coal supplies are not diverted to meet Nalco’s needs.