The Ministry of Coal today convened a stakeholder consultation on “Exploring the Opportunities for Sustainable Coal Transportation through the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) Mode” in New Delhi. The consultation aimed at driving consensus and synergy among key players in the coal logistics value chain to promote multimodal transportation for a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable future.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, termed the RSR model as a forward-looking initiative that aligns with the nation's broader goals of enhancing logistical efficiency, ensuring energy security, and promoting environmental sustainability. He underscored that RSR transportation, which integrates rail and coastal shipping, is not only an economical alternative but also significantly environment-friendly due to its lower carbon footprint. Shri Dutt emphasized the importance of embracing innovative, smarter, greener, and more resilient multimodal transport systems to meet the growing demand for coal in distant consumption centers, especially in Southern and Western India. He called for close coordination among Ministries, State Governments, power generation companies (Gencos), coal producers, port authorities, and logistics providers to streamline infrastructure, optimize operations, and remove procedural bottlenecks for the successful implementation of RSR movement.

The consultation witnessed active participation from a wide array of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Ministry of Power, State Governments, Coal India Limited (CIL), captive and commercial miners, Gencos and port operators. During the discussions, stakeholders shared valuable insights and practical suggestions on enhancing intermodal connectivity, deploying mechanized coal handling infrastructure at ports, improving rake availability, and rationalizing port charges.

With a projection of transporting 120 MT of coal through the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) mode by FY 2030, the Ministry of Coal has set a target of 65 MT to be moved via this route by FY 2026. This goal will be supported by key initiatives such as the Telescopic Freight Circular issued by the Ministry of Railways, which provides substantial freight savings, and the planned infrastructure expansion under the Rail Sagar Corridor to enhance port connectivity. Going forward, adequate rake supply and robust rail infrastructure connecting mines to ports will be crucial responsibilities of the Ministry of Railways. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) will play a vital role by optimizing shipping and port handling charges and developing dedicated coal berths. These coordinated inter-ministerial efforts are expected to provide strong momentum to the RSR model and significantly improve the sustainability and efficiency of coal transportation across the country.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to advancing multimodal coal logistics by fostering inter-agency collaboration, promoting infrastructure investment, and providing policy support to unlock the full potential of the RSR transportation model thereby supporting India’s journey toward energy security and sustainable growth.

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Shuhaib T

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