TFP Bureau, New Delhi; February 23, 2024: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate three significant First Mile Connectivity Projects of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, tomorrow in Chhattisgarh. These projects, collectively valued at over Rs 600 crore, mark a crucial step towards faster, eco-friendly, and efficient mechanized coal evacuation.
The Dipka OCP Coal Handling Plant, situated in SECL’s Dipka Area, emerges as a standout project constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 211 crore. With an annual coal handling capacity of 25 million tons (MT), the project boasts an overground bunker capacity of 20,000 tons and a 2.1 km long conveyor belt, facilitating rapid loading of 4,500 – 8,500 tons of coal per hour. Moreover, the project aims to ensure eco-friendly transportation by minimizing road-based coal movement between the pit and rail sidings, thus curbing carbon emissions. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also enhances operational efficiency by significantly reducing rake loading time to less than an hour.
Another noteworthy project is the Chhal OCP Coal Handling Plant in SECL’s Raigarh Area, constructed at a cost of over Rs 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 crores. 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.
Aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, these projects demonstrate a commitment to providing multi-modal connectivity and enhancing coal infrastructure across the region. By generating local employment opportunities and ensuring 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, thereby reducing traffic congestion, road accidents, and environmental impact.
