State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) is intensifying its efforts to enhance sustainable coal transportation by commissioning 19 new First-Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects in FY26, targeting a 19% rise in coal loading via these eco-friendly mechanisms. FMC refers to an automated coal evacuation system that replaces traditional truck-based transport with mechanized conveyor belts and computerized rapid loading, ensuring faster and greener coal movement from the pithead to railway wagons.
In FY25, CIL achieved a 34% increase in FMC-based coal loading, handling 102.5 million tonnes across 20 operational projects connected to the Indian Railways. This resulted in a 5% reduction in truck-based coal transport, minimizing road congestion and environmental impact.
CIL aims to commission 92 FMC projects with a combined capacity of 994 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by FY29, in line with its vision to produce 1 billion tonnes of coal annually. FMC facilities feature crushers, mechanized coal handling plants, and precise loading systems, significantly cutting down on dust, noise, emissions, and manual intervention.
This initiative supports the coal ministry’s broader target of 1.15 billion tonnes in FY25 and 1.5 billion tonnes by FY30, reinforcing India’s push for energy security and reduced dependence on coal imports.