Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, has unveiled the ‘Coal Logistics Plan and Policy’, which was introduced at a prestigious event organized by the Indian National Committee World Mining Congress at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Thursday.
In his address, Minister Joshi emphasized the critical need for efficient logistics to meet the surging energy demand, projected to rise from 980 million tonnes to 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030. The Coal Logistics Plan proposes a strategic shift towards a railway-based system in First-Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, aiming for a remarkable 14% reduction in rail logistic costs. This transformation is expected to yield an annual cost saving of Rs 21,000 Crore while also significantly reducing carbon emissions by approximately 100,000 tonnes per annum.
Minister Joshi highlighted the significance of integrated transportation systems, particularly the Ministry’s initiative to integrate Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) transportation. The RSR system has shown remarkable growth of around 50% over the past five years, with plans for further expansion to 120 billion tonnes by FY 2030. Additionally, aligning with PM Gati Shakti, 37 critical railway projects have been identified to meet future coal evacuation demands.
Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing efficiency in coal transportation and fostering robust infrastructure development. Secretary Meena outlined proposals for extensive energy corridor projects, including the construction of new railway lines and capacity augmentation of existing ones. He emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to ensure coal’s integral role in India’s energy security and economic growth while upholding sustainability and social responsibility standards.
Further emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly coal evacuation, M Nagaraju, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, highlighted the Ministry’s Integrated Coal Logistics Policy and plan. This plan aims to develop a technologically enabled, cost-effective, and sustainable logistic ecosystem.
The launch of the Coal Logistics Plan signifies a significant milestone in India’s journey towards modernizing coal transportation, enhancing efficiency, and promoting sustainability. With collaborative efforts from government bodies, industry leaders, and stakeholders, India is poised to unlock the full potential of its coal industry, ensuring a resilient and sustainable energy future.
The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to work closely together to ensure easy access to coal for everyone, paving the way for a brighter and greener future for India’s energy landscape.
