The Ministry of Coal is actively working on development of the National Coal Logistic Plan, which includes First Mile Connectivity (FMC) through railway siding near coal mines.
Key points
- First-mile connectivity refers to the transportation of coal from pitheads to dispatch points.
- The Ministry of Coal has prepared plan to improve the mechanized coal transportation and loading system under FMC projects.
- First Mile Connectivity eliminates road transportation of coal in mining areas by using conveyors or roads to the nearest railway siding.
- By transporting coal through a conveyor belt or road to the nearest railway siding, FMC reduces the number of trucks on the road and the associated environmental impacts such as air pollution, traffic congestion, and road damage, leading to a cleaner and healthier environment.
- A total of 67 First Mile Connectivity (FMC) Projects (59 – CIL, 5- SCCL & 3 – NLCIL) with 885 MT capacity are being taken up in three phases to achieve capacity of ~1BT mechanized handling of coal.
- Furthermore, FMC contributes to the preservation of natural resources and green cover. By adopting First Mile Connectivity, coal mining operations become more economically viable in the long run.
The impact of First Mile Connectivity on the environment is multi-faceted and far-reaching:
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Optimizing transport systems and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles will help to substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions, combatting climate change and mitigating its harmful effects.
- Preserving Natural Environment: Establishing eco-friendly transportation networks encourages the protection of natural habitats and biodiversity, preserving delicate ecosystems for future generations.
- Improving Public Health: Reduced air pollution and traffic congestion positively impact public health by lowering the prevalence of respiratory diseases and stress-related ailments.
