The Centre said an additional 19 first-mile connectivity projects of state-owned CIL and SCCL will be implemented by 2026-27.

First-mile connectivity refers to the transportation of coal from pitheads to dispatch points.

"The Ministry of Coal will be taking up additional 19 First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects for Coal India (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) with a capacity of 330 million tonne (MT) and these projects will be implemented by FY26-27," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry has already undertaken 55 first mile connectivity projects worth Rs 180 billion. Out of these 55 projects, eight having a capacity of 95.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) have been commissioned and the remaining will be commissioned by FY25.

To ensure efficient and environment-friendly coal evacuation, the government is working on the development of the National Coal Logistic Plan, including first-mile connectivity through railway sidings near coal mines and strengthening of rail network in coalfields.

The coal ministry has set a target to produce 1.31 billion tonnes (BT) of coal by FY'25 and 1.5 BT in FY'30. In this context, the development of coal transportation that is cost-efficient, fast and environmentally friendly is important.

The government has prepared an integrated approach for eliminating road transportation of coal in mines and has taken steps to upgrade mechanised coal transportation and loading systems under FMC projects.

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