Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Pralhad Joshi recently launched “Coal Logistics Plan and Policy” in New Delhi.
Addressing the event, Mr. Joshi underscored the imperative need for efficient logistics to meet the escalating energy demand projected to surge from 980 MT to 1.5 BT by 2030.
The Coal Logistics Plan proposes a strategic shift towards a railway-based system in FMCs projects, aiming for a 14% reduction in rail logistic costs and an annual cost saving of Rs 21,000 Crore. He emphasized on augmentation of railway network capacity through FMC.
This transformative approach is expected to minimize air pollution, alleviate traffic congestion, and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 100,000 tonnes per annum.
Moreover, a 10% saving in average turnaround time of wagons nationwide is expected. Highlighting the significance of integrated transportation systems, Mr Joshi emphasized the Ministry’s initiative to integrate Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) transportation, which has witnessed a remarkable growth of around 50% over the past five years, with plans for further expansion to 120 BT by FY 2030.
Additionally, aligned with PM Gati Shakti 37 critical railway projects have been identified to meet the future coal evacuation demand.
He also emphasized that the Ministry has launched 15 railway projects to address multimodal connectivity gaps, out of which 5 projects have already been commissioned.
