Coal Mining operations are expected to comply with many rules & regulations. These are mainly regarding safety, environment, rehabilitation of project affected families, welfare of workers etc. Although all the Mines are expected to comply with all the regulations, there are some digressions in varying degrees.

Bridge Linkage is like a short term linkage to bridge the gap between requirement of coal of a specified end use power plant of Central and State PSUs and the start of production from the linked allotted coal mine block.

As there are constraints in availability of coal and in view of negative coal balance, CIL/SCCL shall endeavour to supply 75% of 'Agreed Requirement' of coal where 'Agreed Requirement' is calculated at 90% of normative requirement of the plant at 85% PLF.

On receipt of recommendation from the concerned Ministry, the request is placed before the Standing Linkage Committee (Long Term) [(SLC(LT)] meeting for each individual case. The recommendation of SLC (LT) are submitted for approval by the Competent Authority. Thereafter, CIL/SCCL are intimated accordingly who decide the grade, source, etc.

Coal Controller Organisation is responsible for quantification of 'Bridge Linkage' and 'Proportion Linkage' in consultation with CIL/ SCCL. The quantification are done by Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) as per the CEA Norms for Coal consumption in Thermal Power Plants and necessary Grade adjustments. CCO informs to CIL/SCCL and applicant allottee company accordingly.