SECL commissions rapid loading system at Dipka

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has commissioned a rapid loading system and silos at its Dipka megaproject in Chhattisgarh under the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) initiative.

The facility, which began operations on February 21, 2025, has an annual coal evacuation capacity of 25 million tonnes. It replaces the previous merry-go-round system, which had a capacity of 15 million tonnes per annum. The new infrastructure improves dispatch efficiency by enabling faster loading, better coal quality control, and reduced transportation costs.

The Dipka FMC system is expected to enhance coal transportation by ensuring accurate loading, reducing rake turnaround time, and lowering dependence on road transport, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.

SECL is implementing 17 FMC projects with a total capacity of 233 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) under the PM Gati Shakti Plan. Of these, nine projects with a combined capacity of 151 mtpa have been commissioned. The remaining eight projects, totaling 82 mtpa, are in different stages of development and are expected to be operational within the next two to three years.

Photo source: PIB