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| Revolutionizing Coal Logistics for Sustainable Development |
On February 27th, 2024, Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi unveiled the Coal Logistics Plan and Policy during a significant event hosted by the Indian National Committee of the World Mining Congress in New Delhi. This strategic initiative aims to revolutionize coal transportation to meet the escalating energy demands of India, which are projected to reach 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030 from the current 980 million tonnes.
Key Objectives:
The plan outlines a series of key objectives aimed at optimizing coal logistics, including reducing transportation costs, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing overall efficiency. These objectives are crucial for sustaining India's energy needs while mitigating the adverse effects of coal transportation on the environment.
Initiatives for Efficiency:
To achieve these objectives, the plan focuses on several strategic initiatives, particularly targeting railway networks. By expanding first-mile rail connectivity to mines and reducing reliance on road transportation, the plan aims to achieve a significant reduction in railway freight costs, resulting in annual savings of Rs 21,000 crore by 2030.
Environmental Sustainability:
One of the paramount goals of the Coal Logistics Plan is to minimize air and noise pollution and reduce carbon emissions through increased rail transportation. By optimizing routes and modernizing terminals, the plan aims to reduce coal wagon turnaround time by 10% nationwide, leading to congestion relief and environmental benefits.
Integration of Transport Modes:
Emphasizing the importance of integrated networks, the plan highlights the significant growth in coastal shipping of coal using rail-sea-rail routes over the past five years. The ministry aims to further scale up this mode of transportation to 120 billion tonnes by 2030, alongside the implementation of 37 critical rail projects under the PM GatiShakti plan to enhance cargo capacity.
Investment in Infrastructure:
To address connectivity gaps and bolster the transportation infrastructure, the plan includes the development of 15 rail projects, with five already commissioned. Substantial investments will be made in constructing new lines and upgrading existing rail infrastructure to establish energy corridors conducive to sustainable growth.
Commitment to Sustainability:
Secretary Amrit Lal Meena reiterated the ministry's commitment to balancing efficiency targets with sustainability through research and development, digitization, and addressing logistical bottlenecks. The comprehensive roadmap aims to foster coordinated efforts among stakeholders to unlock the sector's full economic potential in an environmentally friendly manner.
Panel Discussion and Future Prospects:
An expert panel discussed opportunities for achieving coal production self-sufficiency through innovative technologies and greener transportation methods. Investments in innovation and the resolution of distribution constraints were highlighted as critical steps towards fueling wider economic growth. The launch of the forward-looking Coal Logistics Plan underscores the vital role of coal in India's energy security, emphasizing the importance of efficiency-enhancing technologies and collaborative action to realize growth ambitions aligned with sustainability goals.
By reimagining coal logistics through innovation and collaboration, India can achieve sustainable growth while meeting its energy needs responsibly.