India's Ministry of Coal is actively engaged in crafting the National Coal Logistic Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering the nation's energy security and advancing the vision of a self-reliant India, according to a report by local media Economic Times.
This comprehensive plan encompasses the concept of First Mile Connectivity (FMC), a transformative approach centered around establishing railway sidings in proximity to coal mines.
In its unwavering commitment to sustainable development and ecological preservation, the concept of FMC has emerged as a pivotal game-changer. This paradigm is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of coal transportation, fostering a positive and enduring impact on the environment.
FMC essentially curtails the need for road-based coal transportation within mining zones, instead facilitating the movement of coal via conveyors or dedicated roads to the nearest railway siding.
The adoption of this approach, which entails conveying coal through conveyor belts or specially designed roads to the closest railway siding, significantly diminishes the volume of trucks traversing roads. Consequently, this curtails environmental predicaments such as air pollution, traffic congestion, and road wear-and-tear, thus contributing to a more pristine and healthier environment.
A total of 67 FMC projects are underway, comprising 59 projects by Coal India Limited, five by Singareni Collieries Company Limited, and three by NLC India Limited.
With a combined capacity of 885 million tonnes, these projects are executed in three phases, ultimately striving for a mechanized coal handling capacity of 1 billion tonnes per year.
The Ministry of Coal is working with the Ministry of Railways to optimize coal evacuation and distribution capabilities. Currently, collaborative efforts have led to the development of 13 railway lines, a strategic partnership designed to expand the reach and efficiency of coal distribution. These railway projects are at various stages of construction, heralding a new era of enhanced coal logistics capabilities in India.
Source: sxcoal