In line with India’s commitment to bolstering energy security and promoting sustainable development, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate three significant First Mile Connectivity Projects of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India under the Ministry of Coal, in Chhattisgarh tomorrow. These projects, valued at over Rs 600 crore, signify a major leap towards swifter, eco-friendly, and more efficient mechanized coal evacuation.
The Dipka OCP Coal Handling Plant, located in SECL’s Dipka Area, stands out as a crucial project built at a cost exceeding Rs. 211 Crore. With an annual coal handling capacity of 25 MT, the project includes an overground bunker capable of holding 20,000 tons and a 2.1 km long conveyor belt, facilitating rapid loading of 4,500 – 8,500 tons of coal per hour. Additionally, it promotes eco-friendly transportation by minimizing coal movement via roads between the pit and rail sidings, thus reducing carbon emissions. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also enhances operational efficiency by significantly reducing rake loading time to less than an hour.
Another notable project is the Chhal OCP Coal Handling Plant situated in SECL’s Raigarh Area, erected at a cost exceeding 173 crores. This plant, capable of handling 6 MT of coal annually, features an overground bunker, a 1.7 km conveyor belt, and a Silo with a capacity of 3,000 tons.
Moreover, the Baroud OCP Coal Handling Plant located in SECL Raigarh Area, intended to manage 10 MT of coal annually, has been finished for Rs. 216 crores. It is furnished with an overground bunker with a capacity of 20,000 tons and a 1.7 km conveyor belt. The project incorporates a swift loading system capable of loading 5000-7500 tons of coal per hour, thus substantially enhancing the loading process and boosting operational efficiency.
In line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, these projects showcase a dedication to offering multi-modal connectivity and improving coal infrastructure throughout the region. By creating local job opportunities and guaranteeing an effective energy supply, they play a crucial role in the socio-economic advancement of the area.
Adopting the principles of environmental sustainability, the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects diminish dependence on coal transportation by road, thus alleviating traffic congestion, reducing road accidents, and lessening environmental impact.
