SECL’s Dipka Megaproject has successfully commenced operations with the first coal rake loaded from its newly built Rapid Loading System and Silos 3 & 4 on 21st February 2025, marking a significant step towards eco-friendly and efficient coal transportation, according to the Ministry of Coal. As a Coal India subsidiary, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is focused on enhancing safe and sustainable coal evacuation through First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects. The newly commissioned Dipka CHP-Silo FMC project has an annual coal evacuation capacity of 25 million tonnes, significantly boosting the dispatch efficiency of the megaproject. Previously, coal transportation at Dipka was dependent on a Merry-Go-Round (MGR) system with a capacity of 15 MTPA. With the commissioning of Silos 3 & 4, Dipka’s total dispatch capacity has increased to 40 million tonnes per annum, aligning transportation infrastructure with production levels. Under the PM Gatishakti Plan, SECL has prioritised FMC infrastructure development, undertaking 17 FMC projects with a total 233 MTPA capacity. Of these, 9 projects (151 MTPA) have already been commissioned, while the remaining 8 projects (82 MTPA) are in various development phases, targeted for completion within the next 2-3 years. The implementation of FMC at Dipka ensures precise coal loading, reducing underloading and overloading, improving rake availability, and enhancing coal quality while minimising contamination and losses. The shift from road transport also helps lower diesel costs and reduce environmental impact. The commissioning of new silos benefits SECL, Indian Railways, and coal consumers by optimising logistics and streamlining coal movement. SECL, India’s largest coal producer, operates 64 mines across Chhattisgarh (39 mines) and Madhya Pradesh (25 mines), comprising 45 underground and 19 open-cast mines. Currently, 32 mines in Chhattisgarh and 25 in Madhya Pradesh are operational, with ongoing efforts to restart the remaining ones. Additionally, SECL manages the Dankuni Coal Complex (DCC) in West Bengal on lease from Coal India Limited, overseeing the coal carbonisation plant in Dankuni. For effective administration, SECL’s operations are divided into three groups—Central India Coalfields (CIC), Korba Coalfields, and Mand-Raigarh Coalfields—covering 13 operational areas.