An internet-based platform called ‘VIHANGAM’ integrated with a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) at Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) was inaugurated on 1^st September 2021. The salient features of the said system are as under-

(i) The system consists of a Ground Control Station (GCS), an RPAS, internet lease line of 40 Mbps and VIHANGAM portal. It has been deployed at two opencast mines of MCL namely Bhubaneswari and Lingaraj initially on trial basis.

(ii) The system enables real-time transmission of aerial video of mining activities from mines to internet platform which can be accessed through VIHANGAM portal by authorized personnel only having ID and password.

The First Mile Connectivity project - Lajkura RLS has been awarded to L&T Limited with Operation and Maintenance for 5 years for a total value of ₹285.05 crore. The Foundation stone for Lajkura RLS - 15 Mty was laid on 01.09.2021. The anticipated date of commissioning of the RLS is March 2023.

The Operation and Maintenance of Lajkura RLS will be done by L&T for a period of 05 years by engaging necessary manpower.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in  Lok Sabha today.

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