Govt targeting streamlined rail-sea-rail transport for coal efficiency

28 Aug 2023 CW Team

The initiative to promote Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) transportation for the efficient movement of domestic coal has been taken by the Ministry of Coal. The main goal of this initiative is to integrate the Rail-Sea-Rail system for the smooth movement of coal within the country. This transportation system allows coal to be transported seamlessly from mines to ports and ultimately to end-users. As a result, it leads to a reduction in transportation costs and an improvement in logistical efficiency.

In the fiscal year FY 2023, the states that are major producers of coal, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and certain parts of Madhya Pradesh, were responsible for around 75% of the total dispatch of domestic raw coal. The Ministry of Coal has acknowledged the necessity of increasing coal production and has predicted that India's coal production will nearly double with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.7% by FY 2030.

To address the rising demand, there is a requirement for a well-structured and effective coal evacuation system. With this objective, the Ministry of Coal has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) with the purpose of devising a long-term plan for coal movement in the nation. Presently, railways handle approximately 55% of coal evacuation, and there is a goal to raise this percentage to 75% by FY 2030.

The Ministry of Coal is underscoring the importance of enhancing coal evacuation methods and diversifying alternative evacuation routes to prevent congestion. The committee has put forth a number of recommendations to encourage the evacuation of coal through the RSR mode, aiming to achieve a target of 112 million tonne (MT) by 2030, a substantial increase from the current 40 MT.

Also read:
India extends imported coal power operations
India aims to double coal production by 2030

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..