New Delhi: In response to the escalating demands for coal and the associated challenges in transportation, the Ministry of Coal has unveiled a groundbreaking Coal Logistics Policy and Integrated Coal Evacuation Plan. The initiative aims to streamline and enhance the efficiency of coal transportation across the country.
The government’s strategy involves a multi-pronged approach, encompassing the construction of new railway lines, capacity augmentation of the railway network, First Mile Connectivity (FMC) Projects, Rail Connectivity projects, and Railway Sidings. These efforts align with the country’s long-term production projections, ensuring a robust and sustainable framework for coal evacuation.
To expedite the implementation of these measures, fourteen rail projects have been initiated, with five rail lines already commissioned and others progressing through various stages of construction. The focus is on improving coal evacuation infrastructure to meet the growing demands of industries and consumers.
In conjunction with the Ministry of Railways, the government has planned additional rail projects under Green Energy Corridor Projects, High-density network Projects, and Rail Sagar Projects. These initiatives underscore the commitment to modernize and expand the railway network to facilitate seamless coal transportation.
Recognizing the importance of alternative modes of transportation, the Ministry of Railways is also actively promoting coastal shipping and inland waterways for coal evacuation. This diversification aims to provide additional avenues for efficient and environmentally sustainable coal transport.
Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi, shared these developments in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. The comprehensive Coal Logistics Policy and Integrated Coal Evacuation Plan demonstrate the government’s proactive approach to address the challenges in coal transportation and ensure the uninterrupted supply of coal to meet the country’s energy requirements.
