SECL pushes for eco-friendly coal evacuation via FMC

SECL's Dipka mega project has started operations with a new rapid loading system and silos, significantly boosting coal dispatch capacity to 40 million tons annually. This development is part of SECL's initiative to modernize and enhance coal transportation with 17 ongoing FMC projects.

RAIPUR: Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), under the ministry of coal, is accelerating efforts for safe and sustainable coal evacuation from its mines through First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects.

In a significant milestone, SECL's Dipka mega project commenced operations by loading the first coal rake from its newly built rapid loading system and silos 3 & 4 on Feb 21, marking a major step in boosting efficient coal transportation.

The newly commissioned Dipka CHP-Silo FMC project has an annual coal evacuation capacity of 25 million tons, which will improve dispatch efficiency. Before this, Dipka relied on a Merry-Go-Round (MGR) dispatch system with a capacity of 15 MTPA. With the commissioning of Silo 3 & 4, Dipka's total coal dispatch capacity has now surged to 40 million tons per annum, effectively aligning transportation infrastructure with production levels. SECL has undertaken 17 FMC projects with a cumulative capacity of 233 MTPA. Out of these, 9 projects with a total capacity of 151 MTPA have already been commissioned demonstrating the company's commitment to modernizing coal transportation. Rest 8 FMC projects of 82 MTPA capacity are under various phases of development with a target to commission them in the next 2-3 years. FMC is recognized as an efficient and eco-friendly coal transportation mode. The implementation of FMC infrastructure at Dipka brings multiple benefits like improved efficiency, accurate and faster loading, enhanced coal quality and reduced dependence on road transport.