Coal India To Commission 19 Eco-Friendly Coal Evacuation Projects In 2025-26

Coal India Ltd. plans to commission 19 first-mile connectivity projects in 2025-26 to evacuate 150 million tonnes of coal annually to loading points, it said Thursday.

The company aims to complete 92 such projects by Mar. 2029, enabling it to transport 994 million tonnes of coal every year. This would help meet its production target of 1 billion tonnes by that time, Coal India said.

A first-mile connectivity project automates coal movement from pitheads to loading points through piped conveyor belts. These projects feature mechanised handling plants, crushers, and rapid loading systems that reduce dust, noise, road congestion, and emissions. They also cut wagon turnaround time and help move coal without trucks or pay loaders.

Coal India said it expects to move 20 million tonnes of coal through such projects in 2024-25. In 2023-24, 20 operational projects moved 102.5 million tonnes, up 34% from 76.5 million tonnes evacuated by 17 projects the year before. During April-May, coal moved via these projects rose 36.7% on year to 15 million tonnes.

A pilot study at the Gevra coal mine in Chhattisgarh, which handles 10 million tonnes annually through first-mile connectivity, showed an 84% drop in particulate and gas emissions compared to traditional loading methods. The study also highlighted diesel savings and improvements in air and noise pollution levels, Coal India said.