South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has increased its coal evacuation capacity by launching Silo 3 & 4 and a Rapid Loading System at the Dipka Megaproject. This expansion boosts SECL’s annual coal dispatch capacity to 40 million tons per annum (MTPA).
The milestone was marked on February 21, 2025, with the loading of the first coal rake from the Dipka CHP-Silo First Mile Connectivity (FMC) project. This new initiative enhances eco-friendly and efficient coal transportation. The Rapid Loading System, with a 25 MTPA capacity, replaces the previous Merry-Go-Round (MGR) system, which had a 15 MTPA capacity.
As part of the PM Gatishakti Plan, SECL has focused on improving First Mile Connectivity (FMC) infrastructure. The company is working on 17 FMC projects, totaling 233 MTPA in capacity. Of these, 9 projects with a combined 151 MTPA capacity have already been commissioned. The remaining 8 projects, with 82 MTPA capacity, are under development and are expected to be completed within the next 2-3 years.
The FMC infrastructure aims to enhance coal loading accuracy, reduce turnaround time, minimize contamination, and decrease reliance on road transport. This, in turn, will lower diesel consumption and reduce environmental impact. SECL expects the commissioning of the new silos to optimize coal movement and improve logistics, benefiting both SECL, Indian Railways, and coal consumers.
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