FIRST MILE CONNECTIVITY AND COAL LOGISTICS INFRASTRUCTURE

The Ministry of Coal is executing 139 FMC projects with a total capacity of 1,319 MTPA to be completed by FY 2029‑30; 72 projects (≈589 MTPA) are already commissioned while 67 are in various stages of implementation. Rail infrastructure expansion includes 5 of 8 railway projects commissioned, with the remaining three slated for FY 2028, and 33 critical projects identified for future coal evacuation. An Integrated Coal Logistics Plan, coordinated with the Ministries of Railways, Power and Road & Transport & Ports, seeks to raise rail‑share of coal transport to 75 % by FY 2030, promote coastal shipping and inland waterways, and cut logistics costs. The plan also addresses bottlenecks such as inadequate rail capacity, clearance delays, operational constraints, road congestion, and limited alternate‑mode infrastructure, while mechanised handling has reduced loading times and improved wagon utilisation.