The Ministry of Coal told the media that the central government has taken up 14 railway projects spread across Eastern Indian states to boost the coal transportation process. The total project cost will be Rs 22,067 crore. This project will decrease the time and cost incurred in the transportation of the dry fuel and will evacuate up to 410 million tonne per annum (mtpa). The government is trying for a cleaner environment and has placed significant impetus to further boost rail transportation of coal. The projects will span over a distance of approximately 2,680 km covering Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, the largest coal-generating states. The new railway lines will render better connectivity and reach for the transportation of coal. Additionally, Coal India is investing an estimated Rs 14,200 crore for the first-mile connectivity (FMC) projects by 2023-24, in two phases for its 49 FMC projects. CIL has set the rapid loading system in 19 of its mines developing 21 additional railway sidings at an estimated investment of Rs 3,370 crore across four of its subsidiaries. These fresh and existing projects will be launched by 2023-24. The firm aims to move approximately 555 mt of coal per year via mechanised means by FY24. With railway connectivity for coal transport, the ministry expects that the significant pitfalls that road transport causes – like environmental pollution and the heavy price of the coal miners, can be addressed. Presently, Coal India Limited (CIL) incurs approximately Rs 3,400 crore on transportation expenses of coal. Additionally, large volumes of coal being transported through the road can result in accidents while moving via rural regions that do not have adequate road infrastructure to ply heavy trucks. To prevent these restrictions, the government has been working on alternative modes of transport, like inland waterways and coastal shipping, the statement said. Currently, coal is being transported significantly via railways, followed by road transportation and MGRs. These modes are aimed at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of coal transportation. Image Source Also read: Railways flags off 88 projects across the country Also read: Railway stations to be revamped and connected to high speed corridors