India has launched the Coal Logistics Plan, a significant step towards modernizing coal transportation and enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

The plan launched with collaboration from government, industry leaders, and stakeholders, suggests a strategic shift towards a railway-based system in FMC projects. The aim is a 14% reduction in rail logistic costs and an annual cost saving of Rs 21,000 crore.

Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi, launched the Coal Logistics Plan and Policy,” at an event sponsored by the Ministry of Coal and organized by the Indian National Committee World Mining Congress.

He emphasized the need for efficient logistics to meet the anticipated increase in energy demand from 980 MT to 1.5 BT by 2030. He highlighted the potential of first-mile connectivity to enhance railway network capacity, reduce air pollution, alleviate traffic congestion, and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 100,000 tonnes annually. Furthermore, a 10% reduction in the nation’s average wagon turnaround time is anticipated, he said.

Mr Joshi also touched upon the Ministry’s plan to integrate Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) transportation, highlighting its growth and expansion plans to 120 BT by FY 2030. It must be noted that PM Gati Shakti has identified 37 railway projects for coal evacuation, and 15 projects have been initiated to bridge multimodal connectivity gaps, with five already in service.

Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, highlighted plans for large-scale energy corridor projects, new railroad lines, and capacity expansion. He urged collaboration for easy coal access.

M Nagaraju, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, emphasized the importance of environmentally responsible coal evacuation and outlined the Ministry’s integrated coal logistics plan, aiming for sustainable, affordable, and technology-enabled logistics.

A panel discussion led by Mr Nagaraju featured industry leaders discussing India’s coal transportation strategies. The focus was on self-sufficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic expansion through R&D, technical advancement, and removing transportation bottlenecks, promoting India’s capacity for economic growth.

Participants included Mr. A K Jha, Chairman, JPL, Mr. Nilabhra Dasgupta, Deputy Chairman, Paradeep Ports Trust, Mr. Subrat Tripathy, CEO, Adani Ports, Mr. Shrivam Shrivastava, Director, Fuel, NTPC, and Dr. JK Vashist, Head, Rail Logistics, Ultratech Cement.