AUG 18: The Ministry of Coal has undertaken an ambitious initiative to modernise coal evacuation and reduce the environmental impact of coal transportation through the implementation of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects. These projects replace conventional road transport from mines with fully mechanised systems such as enclosed conveyor belts, rapid loading systems and integrated coal handling plants.
FMC projects aim to streamline the coal dispatch process by eliminating diesel-powered truck movements, thereby significantly reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Enclosed and dust-controlled systems not only improve environmental standards but also ensure safer working conditions in mining zones. In addition, the mechanised systems enable faster loading and high-capacity coal handling, reducing bottlenecks and turnaround time.
Another major advantage of FMC systems is the preservation of coal quality. By minimising manual handling and reducing losses during movement, these systems ensure that cleaner, more consistent coal reaches end users such as power plants and industries, enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing emissions.
The Ministry has proposed to set up 102 FMC projects with a total capacity of 1,092 million tonnes (MT) by FY 2030. Currently, 44 projects, with a combined capacity of 429.5 MT per year, are operational. Over the remaining period of FY 2025–26, 11 more projects (88 MTY) will be commissioned. The timelines include 12 projects (102 MTY) in FY 2026–27, 15 projects (201 MTY) in FY 2027–28, 18 projects (229 MTY) in FY 2028–29 and 2 projects (42 MTY) in FY 2029–30, taking the total to 58 new projects with 662 MT capacity.
By FY 2029–30, projected coal dispatch via FMC will reach 1,092 MTPA—comprising 994 MTPA from CIL, 63.5 MTPA from NLCIL and 34.5 MTPA from SCCL—covering nearly 90.5% of total output. The total capital investment for these projects is estimated at ₹31,367.66 crore.
