Coal India Ltd announced a substantial capital investment of approximately ₹24,750 crore in sixty-one First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects over the next couple of years. The primary goal of these projects is to enhance eco-friendly coal transportation methods.
This initiative will be executed in three distinct phases and, upon completion, will have an annual capacity of 763.5 million tons. The FMC project revolves around the use of mechanised pipe conveyors to transport coal from the production point to coal handling silos, featuring a rapid loading system that directly loads coal into rail wagons.
The significance of eco-friendly coal transportation cannot be understated, particularly in improving the quality of life for those living in and around coalfield areas. Coal India Ltd emphasised the benefits of FMC projects, which include reducing dust pollution and carbon emissions, relieving the burden on road transportation for enhanced safety, and ensuring precise quantity and quality of coal loading for consumers with minimal manual intervention.
As reported by EquityPandit, in phase one, thirty-five FMC projects will be initiated, with a total capacity of 414.5 million tons per annum (MTPA) and a total investment of ₹10,750 crore. Phase two and phase three will encompass nine and seventeen projects, respectively, with evacuation capacities of 57 MTPA and 292 MTPA. These phases will involve investments amounting to nearly ₹2,500 crore and ₹11,500 crore, respectively.
