Aerial view of Silo 3 of Dipka CHP-Silo FMC project
TFP Bureau, New Delhi, February 22, 2025 : South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has made significant strides towards enhancing eco-friendly and efficient coal transportation with the commencement of operations at its Dipka Megaproject. The newly built Rapid Loading System and Silos 3 & 4 began operations on 21 February 2025, marking a milestone in the company’s efforts to improve coal evacuation and reduce environmental impact.
The newly commissioned Dipka CHP-Silo First Mile Connectivity (FMC) project, with an impressive annual coal evacuation capacity of 25 million tons, is expected to significantly enhance the dispatch efficiency of the megaproject. Prior to this, the Dipka mine used a Merry-Go-Round (MGR) dispatch system, with a much lower capacity of 15 million tons per annum (MTPA).
With the introduction of Silos 3 & 4, the total coal dispatch capacity at Dipka has now increased to 40 million tons per year, aligning coal transportation infrastructure with growing production demands.
Sustainable and Efficient Coal Transportation
The project is part of SECL’s broader initiative to prioritize First Mile Connectivity (FMC) infrastructure under the PM Gatishakti Plan. As part of this vision, SECL has undertaken 17 FMC projects, with a total capacity of 233 MTPA. To date, 9 projects, with a combined capacity of 151 MTPA, have been successfully commissioned, demonstrating SECL’s commitment to modernizing coal transport. The remaining 8 projects, totaling 82 MTPA, are currently in various stages of development, with a target for completion in the next 2-3 years.
The FMC infrastructure at Dipka is designed to bring several advantages, including:
- Increased efficiency and accuracy in loading, reducing both underloading and overloading.
- Faster loading times, resulting in quicker turnaround and improved rake availability.
- Better coal quality, minimizing contamination and losses during transport.
- Lower reliance on road transport, leading to reduced diesel consumption and a cleaner environment.
The new silos and rapid loading system are expected to benefit SECL, Indian Railways, and coal consumers alike by optimizing coal movement, streamlining logistics, and reducing the environmental footprint of coal transportation. This marks a significant step towards making coal evacuation more sustainable and efficient at the Dipka Megaproject.
