New Delhi: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has expanded its first mile connectivity with the commissioning of a new Rapid Loading System and Silos 3 and 4 at the Dipka Megaproject. Operations began on February 21, marking a major step in improving coal transportation efficiency and sustainability.
The newly launched Dipka CHP-Silo First Mile Connectivity (FMC) project has an annual coal evacuation capacity of 25 million tonnes. Previously, Dipka relied on a Merry-Go-Round (MGR) dispatch system with a capacity of 15 million tonnes per annum. With the addition of the new silos, the total dispatch capacity has now increased to 40 million tonnes per annum, ensuring better alignment between transportation infrastructure and coal production levels.
SECL has been actively developing FMC projects as part of the Ministry of Coal’s PM Gati Shakti Plan. The company is working on 17 FMC projects with a total capacity of 233 million tonnes per annum. Nine projects, accounting for 151 million tonnes, have already been completed, while the remaining eight, with a combined capacity of 82 million tonnes, are in various stages of development and are expected to be commissioned within the next two to three years.
The newly commissioned silos improve loading precision, minimising underloading and overloading of coal in rakes. Faster loading enhances rake availability, while reduced contamination and losses ensure better coal quality. The system also reduces dependence on road transport, cutting diesel consumption and lowering emissions. This development strengthens SECL’s logistics network, benefits Indian Railways, and ensures more efficient coal supply to consumers.
BI Bureau
