CIL Hits Green Gear: 36.7% Jump in Eco-Friendly Coal Transport

Coal India Ltd (CIL) has reported a 36.7% year-on-year increase in coal movement through First Mile Connectivity (FMC) routes, up from 15 million tonnes (MT) in the same period last year. To further enhance its eco-friendly coal transportation infrastructure, CIL plans to commission 19 new FMC projects in FY 2026, with a combined capacity of nearly 150 MT per year.

A senior CIL official noted, “We expect to transport an estimated additional 20 MT of coal through FMC projects in the current financial year.” The growing reliance on FMC systems has led to a 5% reduction in underloading charges and improved grade conformity, attributed to the benefits of mechanized handling.

Looking ahead, CIL aims to commission a total of 92 FMC projects by FY 2029, offering an aggregate capacity of 994 MT per year. These initiatives are integral to supporting the company’s target of producing one billion tonnes of coal annually while minimizing environmental impact.

FMC systems are automated coal evacuation solutions that facilitate environmentally sustainable coal transport from the pithead to loading points via piped conveyor belts. These systems typically include mechanized coal handling plants equipped with crushers. The environmental benefits are evident at sites like Gevra, where a 10 MT capacity FMC project resulted in an approximately 84% reduction in particulate matter and gaseous emissions compared to conventional loading via pay loaders at railway sidings.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.