Coal news and updates

50 coal mines up for auction by Sep-end, says coal secretary

Secretary in the coal ministry Amrit Lal Meena spoke at length on various initiatives in the sector as well as on its plan to enter newer fields and the ongoing commercial coal blocks auctions.

New Delhi: As the government gradually plans to shift towards renewable energy in the coming years, the reality on the ground is that India's dependency on coal is not going to end anytime soon, especially considering the disruptions in supply chains globally owing to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

However, even the coal ministry is diversifying towards greener options to help the Centre achieve its net zero emission target.

In a detailed interview with IANS, secretary in the coal ministry Amrit Lal Meena spoke at length on various initiatives in the sector as well as on its plan to enter newer fields and the ongoing commercial coal blocks auctions.

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Q: The coal ministry has prepared a multi modal connectivity plan. What exactly does it entail?

A: Currently around 62 per cent of coal is transported by rail, 20 per cent by road and 18 per cent is moved through conveyor belts.

Railway is the most cost effective and environment friendly medium of transporting coal. Therefore to strengthen rail infrastructure in coal producing states, there is a mandate under PM Gatishakti to allow user ministries to make plans according to their requirements to ensure cost effectiveness and fill gaps to reduce logistics costs.

So after discussing with stakeholders, we prepared an integrated coal logistics plan and after superimposing ongoing railway and coal mines projects, identified gaps in coal transportation. We have highlighted these gaps and duly informed the railway ministry.