New Delhi: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has achieved a significant milestone in enhancing safe and sustainable coal evacuation. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, SECL has successfully commenced operations of the newly built Rapid Loading System and Silos 3 & 4 at its Dipka Megaproject on February 21, marking a major step forward in eco-friendly and efficient coal transportation.
The newly commissioned Dipka CHP-Silo First Mile Connectivity (FMC) project boasts an annual coal evacuation capacity of 25 million tons, significantly enhancing the dispatch efficiency of the megaproject. Prior to this development, Dipka relied on a Merry-Go-Round (MGR) dispatch system with a capacity of 15 million tons per annum (MTPA). With the commissioning of Silos 3 & 4, the total coal dispatch capacity at Dipka has surged to 40 MTPA, aligning transportation infrastructure with production levels.
SECL, in line with the Ministry of Coal’s vision, has been aggressively developing FMC infrastructure under the PM Gati Shakti Plan. The company has undertaken 17 FMC projects with a cumulative capacity of 233 MTPA. Of these, nine projects with a total capacity of 151 MTPA have already been commissioned, demonstrating SECL’s commitment to modernizing coal transportation. The remaining eight FMC projects, with a combined capacity of 82 MTPA, are at various stages of development and are targeted for commissioning within the next two to three years.
The implementation of FMC infrastructure at Dipka brings several key benefits. The new silos ensure precise loading, minimizing both underloading and overloading of coal in rakes. Improved loading efficiency reduces loading time, thereby enhancing rake availability. Additionally, the system minimizes contamination and losses, ensuring better coal quality for consumers. Furthermore, reduced dependence on road transport leads to lower diesel consumption and a cleaner environment.
The commissioning of these new silos represents a significant boost for SECL, Indian Railways, and coal consumers alike by streamlining logistics, optimizing coal movement, and reducing the environmental impact of coal transportation. This strategic development underscores SECL’s ongoing efforts to modernize its operations and enhance efficiency in coal dispatch systems.
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