Punjab has reportedly requested the Union Minister that coal be transported entirely by rail to the state. Currently, the Rail-Ship-Rail (RSR) model is used to transport coal from Mahanadi Coalfields (MCL) in Odisha to Punjab. Switching to a rail network entirely results in cost, time, and quality savings when transporting coal, the state reportedly said. The Union Ministry of Power has directed Punjab to begin lifting 15-20 per cent of domestic coal from Talcher Mines via R-S-R mode in January 2023. The government is attempting to develop an ideal and optimal infrastructure for coal transportation, as well as an efficient, eco-friendly multi-modal integrated 'National Coal Evacuation Infrastructure' with the recent Draft National Coal Logistics Policy 2022. Furthermore, the Gati Shakti National Masterplan and the National Logistics Policy 2022 have been designed to work in this direction. Contact: Government of Punjab Website: punjab.gov.in