Govt charts out mega plan to ease coal evacuation

In an attempt to reduce coal imports while enhancing domestic availability, the government has firmed up a plan to increase the share of railways in transportation of the fuel to 87% by FY30 from the current 65%. It also aims to eliminate the transport of coal through roads during the period which is currently at 26%.

The government further sees domestic coal production touching 2 billion tonnes per annum starting 2047 with zero imports of either coking or non-coking coal.

Launching the Coal Logistics Policy and Plan in New Delhi, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said, “The plan proposes a strategic shift towards a railway-based system in first mile connectivity projects,