India accelerates coal evacuation infrastructure with key rail projects

Recent approvals include two rail projects in Odisha.

India’s Ministry of Coal has identified 38 priority rail projects for fast-tracking as part of its strategic plan to develop a robust coal evacuation network.

Recent approvals include two rail projects in Odisha, particularly the Sardega-Bhalumuda double line and the Bargarh Road-Nawapara Road single line.

The 37.24 kilometres (km) Sardega-Bhalumuda double line will pass through coal blocks in the IB Valley and Mand-Raigarh Coalfield.

The line will facilitate coal evacuation from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and several private mines, reducing transportation distances to power plants in northern India.

Meanwhile, the 138.32 km Bargarh Road-Nawapara Road single line will provide a direct and shorter route to Nagpur and the western regions to reduce logistics costs and boost the coal transportation efficiency from the Talcher region.