Ministry of Coal Pushes for Sustainable Coal Logistics via RSR Mode

23 Apr 2025 CW Team

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 connectivity
Mechanisation of coal handling at ports
Improving rake availability
Rationalising port charges

With 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 savings
The upcoming Rail Sagar Corridor to strengthen mine-port connectivity

The 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)

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)

Infrastructure Transport

15 Oct 2025

BMC Gets CRZ Nod For Rs 40 Million Gorai Bridge Rebuild

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has secured Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the reconstruction of the Poisar River bridge in Gorai, located in Mumbai’s western suburbs. However, the proposed demolition of the existing 100-metre bridge has sparked opposition from local residents, who claim it serves as the only direct access route between the Lower and Upper Koliwada areas. The three-decade-old bridge, situated within the CRZ buffer zone, was recently declared structurally unsafe following a civic audit. The BMC has sanctioned its reconstruction at an estimated cost ..

Infrastructure Transport

15 Oct 2025

NHAI Completes Rs 15.9 Billion Four-Lane Stretch On ECR

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the four-laning of the 38 km Puducherry–Poondiyankuppam stretch, ending near Cuddalore, in a development that will cut travel time by up to two hours, according to a report by The New Indian Express. The upgraded section, built at a cost of Rs 15.9 billion under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I, marks a major milestone in the ongoing East Coast Road (ECR) widening programme. The project promises a smoother, faster drive for motorists travelling towards Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, and Nagapattinam. With this completion, 22..

Infrastructure Transport

15 Oct 2025

Encroachments Delay Rs 1 Billion Ghatkopar Bridge Project

The construction of a new cable-stayed rail overbridge at Ghatkopar and the widening of the Andheri–Ghatkopar Link Road (AGLR) have been delayed due to the presence of nearly 250 encroached structures on both sides of the road. In response, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has directed officials to carry out a structural audit of the existing bridge over the railway line and enforce temporary restrictions on heavy vehicles to ensure public safety. The bridge, which starts at the Golibar Road junction near LBS Marg and extends up to the Eastern Express Highway (EEH), serves as a critic..