**Coal India Plans Major Expansion of First-Mile Connectivity Projects**
**Meta Description:** Coal India aims to enhance coal loading by 19% with 19 new first-mile connectivity projects in FY26, promoting eco-friendly transportation methods.
**URL Slug:** coal-india-first-mile-connectivity-expansion
**Coal India Plans Major Expansion of First-Mile Connectivity Projects**
In a significant move towards enhancing coal transportation efficiency, Coal India Ltd (CIL) has announced plans to establish 19 new first-mile connectivity (FMC) projects in the fiscal year 2026. This initiative is expected to boost coal loading by 19%, leveraging automated and eco-friendly methods for coal evacuation.
First-mile connectivity refers to the automated process of transporting coal from the pithead to loading points using piped conveyor belts. By adopting FMC, coal producers are shifting from traditional road transport to more sustainable alternatives, such as mechanized conveyor systems and computerized loading onto railway rakes. This transition not only streamlines operations but also minimizes environmental impact.
In a recent statement, CIL reported a remarkable 34% increase in environmentally friendly coal loading through FMC, reaching 102.5 million tonnes in fiscal year 2025. This achievement was made possible through the implementation of 20 FMC projects linked to the Indian Railways’ network. The increased efficiency in coal loading has resulted in a 5% reduction in truck journeys required for coal transport, known as underloading, compared to the previous fiscal year.
CIL has ambitious plans to commission a total of 92 FMC projects with a combined capacity of 994 million tonnes per annum by the end of fiscal year 2029. With a target of producing 1 billion tonnes of coal by the same year, the company is focused on developing a transportation system that supports nearly all coal production in an environmentally responsible manner.
Key features of the FMC initiative include the construction of mechanized coal handling plants equipped with coal crushers and rapid loading systems, ensuring precise quantities of quality coal are loaded onto wagons. This innovative approach replaces truck-based transportation to railway sidings, reducing dust, noise, and vehicular emissions while enhancing safety and minimizing road congestion.
In August 2023, the coal ministry announced the initiation of 67 FMC projects across state-run coal companies, targeting a total capacity of 885 million tonnes in three phases. This effort aims to achieve around 1 billion tonnes of mechanized coal handling, further solidifying India’s energy security.
The coal ministry has set ambitious production targets of 1.15 billion tonnes for fiscal year 2025 and 1.5 billion tonnes by fiscal year 2030. Developing an eco-friendly and cost-effective coal transportation system is crucial for reducing India’s dependence on imported coal and promoting the use of domestic coal resources.
**FAQ**
**What are first-mile connectivity projects?**
First-mile connectivity projects are initiatives aimed at automating the transportation of coal from the pithead to loading points using eco-friendly methods, such as conveyor belts, to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
