The brick manufacturing sector in Tripura is facing a severe crisis after coal supplies from neighbouring Meghalaya and other sources stopped abruptly for the past 15 days, leaving kiln owners scrambling to keep operations running and prompting urgent calls for government intervention. Vivekananda Choudhury, president of the Tripura Brick Kiln Association, said the industry is heavily dependent on coal and that there is currently no arrangement to bring coal into the state by rail.
“Not a single truck carrying coal has entered Tripura in the last fortnight,” Choudhury told a meeting of kiln owners from across the state. With stocks depleting rapidly, several brick kilns have already shut down and many others are operating only on remaining reserves. “Within the next week, no brick kiln in Tripura will be capable of running if alternative supplies are not arranged,” he warned.
Tripura has around 300 brick kiln units that supply construction materials and provide significant local employment. Production has fallen sharply, affected not only by the coal shortage but also by a shortage of skilled workers. Kiln owners said many labourers from Bihar, who make up a substantial portion of the workforce, have not returned, further reducing operational capacity.
Owners are also under mounting financial pressure. Declining sales and previously high coal prices had already squeezed profit margins before the current stoppage, and the ongoing disruption risks larger losses and potential closures if it continues. The Brick Kiln Association has urged the state government to immediately arrange alternative coal supply routes or offer support measures to avert a widespread industrial shutdown and protect jobs and local construction supply chains.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/tripura/story/tripura-brick-makers-face-crisis-as-coal-supply-from-meghalaya-stops-industry-nears-shutdown-1347112-2026-02-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-16 18:23:00
