In a move to enhance efficiency and sustainability in coal transportation, the Ministry of Coal hosted a stakeholder consultation on “Exploring the Opportunities for Sustainable Coal Transportation through the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) Mode” in New Delhi. The event brought together key players in the coal logistics chain to build consensus on advancing multimodal transport solutions.Secretary of the Ministry, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, in his keynote address, described the RSR model as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative that aligns with India’s broader goals of energy security and logistics modernisation. The RSR approach—combining rail and coastal shipping—is seen as particularly strategic for serving coal demand in Southern and Western India, offering a lower carbon footprint and improved transport resilience.Shri Dutt stressed the need for inter-ministerial coordination, especially among the Ministries of Railways, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Power, along with state governments, Gencos, coal producers, and port authorities, to streamline infrastructure and eliminate operational bottlenecks.The consultation included participation from stakeholders such as Coal India Limited (CIL), commercial miners, port operators, and various government agencies. Discussions covered critical areas including:Enhancing intermodal connectivityMechanisation of coal handling at portsImproving rake availabilityRationalising port chargesWith the aim of transporting 120 million tonnes (MT) of coal via RSR by FY 2030, and 65 MT by FY 2026, the Ministry is counting on strategic policy and infrastructure interventions. Key among these are:Telescopic Freight Circular from the Ministry of Railways offering freight cost savingsThe upcoming Rail Sagar Corridor to strengthen mine-port connectivityThe Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways will contribute by optimising shipping costs and developing dedicated coal berths, while the Railways will ensure rake availability and robust connectivity.The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inter-agency collaboration, supporting infrastructure investment, and providing policy support to unlock the full potential of RSR—paving the way for a more sustainable and secure energy future for India. (PIB)