India’s Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, is set to inaugurate three pivotal first-mile connectivity projects from South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Chhattisgarh, marking a milestone in India’s energy security and sustainable development journey. These projects, under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, highlight the government’s commitment to enhancing multi-modal connectivity and coal infrastructure.
The Dipka OCP Coal Handling Plant, with an annual coal handling capacity of 25 million tonnes (mnt), features a substantial above-ground bunker storing 20,000 t of coal. Equipped with a 2.1 km conveyor belt, it streamlines loading, handling 4,500 – 8,500 t of coal per hour. This initiative aims to reduce road-based coal movement, curbing carbon emissions and enhancing efficiency.
Another significant project is the Chhal OCP Coal Handling Plant in SECL’s Raigarh Area, designed for 6 mnt of coal annually. It includes an overground bunker, a 1.7-km conveyor belt, and a silo with a 3,000-tonne capacity.
Completing the trio is the Baroud OCP Coal Handling Plant at SECL Raigarh Area, managing 10 mnt of coal annually. It features an overground bunker of 20,000 t capacity and a 1.7-km conveyor belt, enabling rapid loading of 5,000-7,500 t of coal per hour, enhancing operational efficiency significantly.
These first mile connectivity (FMC) projects prioritize environmental sustainability by minimizing road-based coal transportation. This strategy reduces traffic congestion, mitigates road accident risks, and diminishes the environmental footprint of coal transportation operations, aligning with India’s sustainable development goals.