Coal Ministry identifies 38 rail projects for fast-tracking under coal logistics plan

New Delhi: The Ministry of Coal has identified 38 priority rail projects under the coal logistics plan that will be fast-tracked in close coordination with the Ministry of Railways. “These projects are essential for improving rail connectivity, ensuring timely coal supply, and reducing logistics costs, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of coal transportation across the country,” said the Ministry of Coal in a statement on Thursday.

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The Coal Ministry has recently unveiled a strategic plan focusing on the development of critical logistics projects to develop a robust coal evacuation network across the country. “A robust coal evacuation network is critical for bolstering India’s energy security, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of coal to meet the growing demands of the country’s power plants and industries,” said the ministry.

“In its relentless pursuit to transform India’s coal sector, the union government is spearheading a comprehensive strategy aimed at fast-tracking infrastructure development and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. This initiative is a cornerstone in the Ministry’s vision to position India as a global leader in sustainable coal production and logistics, aligning with the broader goal of a prosperous and developed nation by 2047,” it added.

Two important rail projects for coal evacuation approved

Among these priority projects, the government has recently approved two significant rail projects in Odisha: The Sardega-Bhalumuda double line and the Bargarh Road-Nawapara Road single line.

The 37.24 km-long Sardega-Bhalumuda new double line, passing through various coal blocks of the IB Valley and Mand-Raigarh Coalfield, will facilitate the evacuation of coal from mines operated by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and several private mines. This project is particularly strategic as it reduces the transportation distance to power plants in Northern India from Sardega, thereby enhancing efficiency.

Similarly, the 138.32-km-long Bargarh Road-Nawapara Road new single line will significantly improve coal evacuation from the Talcher Coalfield, providing a direct and shorter route towards Nagpur and the western regions. This project is expected to substantially reduce logistics costs and improve the overall efficiency of coal transportation from the Talcher region.

“The Ministry of Coal, under the visionary guidance of Coal Minister remains committed to fast-tracking these and other critical projects, ensuring that India’s coal sector not only meets the current energy demands but also set the foundation for a sustainable and developed nation by 2047,” said the statement.

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