1346 The First Mile Connectivity (FMC) programme represents a flagship infrastructure initiative of Coal India Limited (CIL) aimed at modernising coal evacuation through end-to-end mechanised material handling systems and silo-based rail loading. As reported, a total of 72 FMC projects, with an aggregate handling capacity of approximately 843 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), are at various stages of implementation, involving a cumulative investment of about ₹27,750 crore. Upon commissioning, mechanised coal evacuation capacity is projected to increase substantially from the existing 151 MTPA to nearly 994 MTPA by FY 2028–29, resulting in improved coal quality, minimisation of under-loading charges, enhanced logistics efficiency, and improved safety performance. The transition towards silo-based rake loading forms a key operational outcome of the FMC programme. The share of coal evacuated through silos increased to 23% of total rake loading in FY 2024– 25 and is expected to rise further to at least 33% by FY 2025–26, reflecting progressive adoption across subsidiaries. Mechanised evacuation under FMC projects has also delivered measurable environmental benefits by reducing diesel consumption, curtailing vehicular movement, and lowering fugitive dust emissions. At full-scale implementation, these projects are estimated to enable annual carbon dioxide emission reductions of up to 2 million tonnes, alongside significant reductions in transportation costs. Complementing infrastructure modernisation, CIL has strengthened its environmental stewardship initiatives through extensive afforestation and ecological restoration programmes in mining-affected areas. In addition to ongoing plantation activities, the company plans to develop 50 additional eco-parks, mine tourism sites, and eco-restoration zones by FY 2029, contributing to biodiversity enhancement, landscape rehabilitation, and community engagement. Collectively, the integration of FMC infrastructure with ecofriendly mining and transportation technologies underscores CIL’s commitment to operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and sustainable coal supply. Figure 89 shows the flowchart for pollution control measures in opencast mining. Figure 89 – Pollution Control Measures in Opencast Mining 5. RENEWABLE ENERGY AND LOW-CARBON TRANSITION Coal India Limited (CIL) has strategically diversified its energy portfolio by integrating renewable energy generation, particularly large-scale solar and wind power projects, as a core component of its longterm sustainability and decarbonization strategy. Leveraging its extensive land holdings, CIL has identified reclaimed mine land, backfilled areas, and abandoned mine voids as technically and economically viable sites for utility-scale renewable energy installations. These lands, being large, contiguous, and nonagricultural, already have existing access infrastructure, making them ideal for solar photovoltaic projects while avoiding potential land-use conflicts. By converting post-mining landscapes into productive assets through circular land-use approaches, CIL ensures sustainable utilization of land resources while adhering to scientific reclamation and geotechnical stabilization protocols, thereby maintaining structural integrity and environmental safety for renewable energy deployment (Coal India Limited, 2025; Ministry of Coal, 2024). Floating solar installations over water-filled mine voids and reservoirs further enhance land efficiency, reduce evaporation losses, and contribute to the overall sustainability of the projects. Table 30 shows the CIL’s renewable energy comprehensive roadmap. Table 30 – CIL’s renewable energy comprehensive roadmap
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0Mzk2