Coal India Accelerates Eco-Friendly Coal Transport with 19 FMC Projects & 150 MTPA Capacity Expansion

Image Source: Energy Watch

Coal India Ltd. (CIL) is set to commission 19 First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects with a combined capacity of 150 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY 2026, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable coal transportation. The company also expects to transport an incremental 20 MTPA through FMC projects in FY 2025, further reducing its carbon footprint and reliance on road-based coal movement.

Expansion of FMC Projects:

CIL is investing ₹24,750 crore in 61 FMC projects, ensuring mechanized coal transportation via conveyor belts and rapid loading systems.
The first phase includes 35 projects, with 414.5 MTPA capacity, of which eight projects (112 MTPA) are already operational.

Eco-Friendly Coal Transportation Growth:

CIL’s environment-friendly coal evacuation capacity is expected to reach 914.5 MTPA by FY 2029, significantly reducing dust pollution and emissions.
The company aims to achieve 90% mechanized coal loading, minimizing manual intervention and improving efficiency.

Incremental Coal Transport in FY 2025:

CIL anticipates transporting an additional 20 MTPA through FMC projects in FY 2025, enhancing coal supply chain efficiency.
The second phase of FMC projects includes nine projects (57 MTPA capacity), with five projects (21.5 MTPA) under construction.

Future Outlook & Industry Impact:

CIL’s strategic investments in FMC projects align with India’s push for sustainable mining practices, ensuring long-term environmental benefits.
The company continues to expand its coal production, crossing 1 billion tonnes in 2024-2025, marking a 70% growth over the last decade.

Coal India’s latest initiatives underscore its commitment to modernizing coal transportation, ensuring efficient, eco-friendly operations for India’s energy sector.

Source: Moneycontrol, Economic Times, The Hindu Business Line, and MSN.