The main objectives of Coal Logistics Policy and Plan are as under:

1. Availability: To ensure the availability of adequate coal loading and evacuation infrastructure at a nearby location through Conveyors, Rail, Road, Port or Waterways connectivity.
2. Optimization: To optimize the total logistics cost, loading and transportation, through rationalization of the transport network with existing and any other proposed mode of transportation.
3. Integration: To promote an interconnected multimodal network of transport infrastructure & greener transportation initiatives for efficient movement of coal covering the entire country.
4. Modernization: To promote greater adoption of information communication technology, upgraded infrastructure, use of artificial intelligence, drones, sensors and innovation to improve efficiency and address the evolving needs of the sector.
5. Efficient: To strive for faster and efficient loading and transportation system in order to reduce the turn-around time leading to increase in the time and cost efficiency of the system.
6. Inclusivity: To promote inclusivity by addressing the needs of all stakeholders from logistics supply and user side.

The Coal Logistics Plan proposes a strategic shift towards a railway-based system in First Mile Connectivity Projects, aiming for reduction in rail logistics cost up to 14% and an estimated annual cost saving of about Rs. 21,000 Crore. With implementation of Coal Logistics Plan and Policy, the following impact is anticipated by FY 2030:

1. Reduction in share of road transportation,
2. Increase in share of rail-based coal transportation in the country,
3. Reduction in logistics cost with network optimization
4. Reduction in CO2 emissions.

There is no separate Budget allocation by Ministry of Coal for implementation of Coal Logistics Plan and Policy. Implementation of "Integrated Coal Logistics Plan" is done in coordination with other Ministries for taking up identified coal evacuation infrastructure projects. Ministry of Railways, Coal Companies and other logistics stakeholders undertake various projects for coal evacuation logistics infrastructure.

Measures taken to ensure seamless integration of coal transportation to end-use plant under this plan are:

1. Coal production planning of 1.5 BT by FY2030,
2. State-wise Origination-Destination mapping for coal evacuation,
3. 90% Mechanized coal loading and evacuation infrastructure implementation through ‘First Mile Connectivity’ (FMC) by FY2030,
4. Critical railway lines have been identified and taken up with Ministry of Railways for future coal evacuation,
5. Multi-modal transport involving conveyor, MGR, railways, inland waterways and coastal, including Rail-Sea-Rail (R-S-R) route,
6. Additional Wagons requirement has been taken up with Ministry of Railways.

This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

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