India Accelerates Coal Infrastructure Development

The Ministry of Coal has introduced an extensive plan to expedite the development of essential logistics infrastructure. This effort is crucial for reaching the ambitious targets set under Vision 2030 and the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Ministry’s strategy is in line with the Prime Minister’s directive for “integrated planning and synchronized time-bound implementation.” This approach is vital for ensuring that the country’s infrastructure keeps up with the rising demands of coal production and transportation. Coal remains a key component of India’s energy sector, and the Ministry aims to overcome logistical challenges that have traditionally impeded efficient coal transport.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Coal, the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Railways, state governments, and other agencies to streamline processes and accelerate the development of coal evacuation infrastructure. This collaborative effort is expected to foster a more favorable environment for infrastructure growth and support the Ministry’s goals.

Key aspects of the strategy include:

– Ensuring sufficient coal loading and evacuation infrastructure to meet production demands.
– Reducing overall logistics costs and optimizing the coal transportation network.
– Promoting the use of advanced technologies, such as AI, drones, and sensors, to upgrade infrastructure.
– Developing an interconnected multimodal network and supporting greener transportation initiatives.
– Improving logistics and transportation systems to ensure timely and cost-effective coal delivery from production sites to consumers.
– Addressing the needs of all stakeholders in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects.
– The Ministry aims to support the target of producing 1.5 billion tonnes of coal by FY30 by ensuring infrastructure development matches production increases.

To this end, the Ministry plans to boost the share of rail transport for coal from 64% to 75% by FY2030, which will help reduce road congestion and enhance environmental sustainability. To achieve this, 38 priority rail projects have been identified for fast-tracking in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways. These projects are essential for improving rail connectivity and ensuring timely coal supply to power plants and industries nationwide.

Additionally, the Ministry has mandated that all large coal mines producing over 2 million tonnes annually must implement mechanized coal handling facilities within the next five years. This move is designed to improve operational efficiency, ensure safer working conditions, and minimize the environmental impact of coal transportation.

Through the PM Gati Shakti initiative, the Ministry is also enhancing multi-modal connectivity and ensuring coordinated efforts across various ministries for smooth coal evacuation. The Ministry is committed to adopting cleaner technologies and practices to align with India’s climate goals and minimize the environmental impact of coal transportation.