SECL’s Dipka Megaproject Boosts Coal Dispatch with New Silos
COAL & MINING

SECL’s Dipka Megaproject Boosts Coal Dispatch with New Silos

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Set to Launch by 2028

India’s first bullet train is set to revolutionize high-speed travel along the western corridor, with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project aiming for a 2028 launch. This announcement marks a major milestone in India’s infrastructure goals, as it promises to reduce travel time between the two economic hubs from eight hours to just three.Spanning a planned 508-kilometre stretch, the corridor stands as a flagship example of Indo-Japanese collaboration in technology and engineering. Once operational, the train is expected to transform intercity mobility and place India among the select..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai-Gandhinagar Train Service Enhances Passenger Capacity

The Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express has increased its passenger capacity by adding four additional AC chair car coaches to meet the growing commuter demand on one of India’s busiest business corridors. This upgrade, effective from 11 May, raised the train’s seating capacity from 1,128 to 1,440 passengers, allowing it to serve 936 more passengers daily in both directions. The increase was described as a practical measure to accommodate the surging demand on the busy Mumbai–Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar route, which regularly operates at over 150 percent seat occupancy...

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Delhi Plans 12 Sewage Plants to Clean Najafgarh Drain Efficiently

Delhi’s ambitious plan to improve the water quality of the Yamuna River has gained significant momentum as the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has begun work on 12 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) aimed at reducing the volume of untreated sewage being discharged from the Najafgarh Drain.This initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts to clean the Yamuna and restore the river’s health, which has long been a critical environmental issue for the national capital. Given the alarming pollution levels in the Yamuna, experts and officials consider this project a vital step toward addressing the persist..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?