Land issues pose challenges for MCL's coal corridor project
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Land issues pose challenges for MCL's coal corridor project

The Bankibahal-Bhedabahal dedicated coal corridor project by Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) in Sundargarh district has finally commenced after years of delay. However, the project continues to face roadblocks due to land issues, raising uncertainties about meeting the 2023-end deadline set by the Works department, which is responsible for project execution. To expedite the project, the Works department divided the construction into separate packages, focusing on bridges along the alignment. While progress has been visible in bridge construction, the road construction phase, which requires private land, has been progressing slowly. MCL has provided the necessary funds for the project and has been urging the district administration and Works department to expedite the handover of the coal corridor.

The project, which should have been completed decades ago, received approval and funds in 2017. The four-lane road spanning 8.5 km from Bankibahal, with the remaining stretch being two lanes, covers a total length of approximately 30.8 km. Despite the completion of road laying work on most of the stretch and four out of five bridges, the project encountered a setback when the contract firm abruptly stopped work two months ago. Land disputes at Khamarbahal, Duduka, Budelkani, Jhapanga, and other areas are causing the project to remain stuck.

Authorities, including Sundargarh ADM (Revenue) Abhimanyu Behera, have assured that the land issues are minor and will be resolved soon. Superintending engineer of the Works department, Sundargarh division Narayan Patel, stated that four bridges have been completed, with the remaining bridge nearing completion. He also mentioned that road laying work is nearly finished, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Despite the challenges posed by land disputes, efforts are underway to overcome the roadblocks and ensure the timely completion of MCL's coal corridor project, which holds significance for the region's coal transportation infrastructure.

The Bankibahal-Bhedabahal dedicated coal corridor project by Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) in Sundargarh district has finally commenced after years of delay. However, the project continues to face roadblocks due to land issues, raising uncertainties about meeting the 2023-end deadline set by the Works department, which is responsible for project execution. To expedite the project, the Works department divided the construction into separate packages, focusing on bridges along the alignment. While progress has been visible in bridge construction, the road construction phase, which requires private land, has been progressing slowly. MCL has provided the necessary funds for the project and has been urging the district administration and Works department to expedite the handover of the coal corridor. The project, which should have been completed decades ago, received approval and funds in 2017. The four-lane road spanning 8.5 km from Bankibahal, with the remaining stretch being two lanes, covers a total length of approximately 30.8 km. Despite the completion of road laying work on most of the stretch and four out of five bridges, the project encountered a setback when the contract firm abruptly stopped work two months ago. Land disputes at Khamarbahal, Duduka, Budelkani, Jhapanga, and other areas are causing the project to remain stuck. Authorities, including Sundargarh ADM (Revenue) Abhimanyu Behera, have assured that the land issues are minor and will be resolved soon. Superintending engineer of the Works department, Sundargarh division Narayan Patel, stated that four bridges have been completed, with the remaining bridge nearing completion. He also mentioned that road laying work is nearly finished, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Despite the challenges posed by land disputes, efforts are underway to overcome the roadblocks and ensure the timely completion of MCL's coal corridor project, which holds significance for the region's coal transportation infrastructure.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?