Prime Minister Narendra Modi will, on Saturday, virtually inaugurate three key First Mile Connectivity projects of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Coal India Subsidiary under the Ministry of Coal, in Chhattisgarh.

These projects, valued at over Rs 600 crore, mark a significant step towards faster, eco-friendly, and efficient mechanised coal evacuation, the Ministry of Coal said.

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Located in SECL’s Dipka Area, the Dipka OCP Coal Handling Plant stands out as a key project constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 211 crore.

With an annual coal handling capacity of 25 MT, the project features an overground bunker capacity of 20,000 tons and a 2.1 km long conveyor belt, facilitating the rapid loading of 4,500 – 8,500 tons of coal per hour, the Ministry of Coal said.

Moreover, the project will ensure eco-friendly transportation by minimizing road-based coal movement between the pit and rail sidings, thereby curbing carbon emissions. This will not only benefit the environment but also enhance operational efficiency by significantly reducing rake loading time to less than an hour, it added.

Another noteworthy project is the Chhal OCP Coal Handling Plant in SECL’s Raigarh Area, built at a cost of over 173 crores. With a capacity to handle 6 MT of coal annually, it includes an overground bunker, a conveyor belt spanning 1.7 km, and a Silo with a capacity of 3,000 tons.

Additionally, the Baroud OCP Coal Handling Plant at SECL Raigarh Area, designed to handle 10 MT of coal annually, has been completed at a cost of Rs. 216 crore. Equipped with an overground bunker capacity of 20,000 tons and a 1.7 km conveyor belt, the project features a rapid loading system capable of loading 5000-7500 tons of coal per hour, significantly streamlining the loading process and contributing to operational efficiency.

These projects are aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and demonstrate commitment to provide multi-modal connectivity and enhancing coal infrastructure across the region.

By generating local employment opportunities and ensuring an efficient energy supply, they play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the area.

Embracing the principles of environmental sustainability, the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects minimize reliance on coal transportation via roads, thus reducing traffic congestion, road accidents, and environmental impact.