SECL’s Chhal coal siding inaugurated by Coal Secretary in Chhattisgarh

Coal Secretary Amrit Lal Meena visited Chhal village in Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh, where he inaugurated the coal siding and inspected the rail project. The coal siding, constructed under the Chhattisgarh East Railway Limited (CERL) Phase 1 project, will directly connect the bark mine of the Raigarh region to the rail route, enabling efficient coal dispatch. During his visit, Coal Secretary Meena flagged off rail rakes and emphasised the importance of developing coal transportation infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti Yojana. The CERL Phase 1 project aims to connect the Mand-Raigarh coalfields through a 124 km long rail line. It includes a 74 km long main rail line from Kharsia to Dharamjaigarh, a 30 km long spur line from Gharghoda to Pelma, and a 20 km long feeder line from Chhal, Baroud, and Durgapur. The project, with a cost exceeding Rs 30 billion, will facilitate the dispatch of coal, saving both time and money. Coal Secretary Meena also inspected the CEWRL rail project in SECL's Korba coalfields. The project, spanning 191 km and costing approximately Rs 49.70 billion, will be crucial for transporting coal from SECL's mega projects in the Korba Coalfield. The main line work of 135.3 km is progressing, and the project is expected to be completed by December 2023. Passenger facilities will be developed along with the railway line in the entire corridor. The visit was conducted in collaboration with SECL CMD, Dr Prem Sagar Mishra, SECL Functional Directors, and local administrative officials. These rail projects will contribute significantly to coal dispatch and support the expanding coal production in the region.