Bokaro: Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, today laid the foundation stone for the Konar and Karo Coal Handling Plants (CHPs) in the Bokaro and Kargali areas. These projects mark a crucial step in enhancing coal transportation efficiency and connectivity.
The Konar Coal Handling Plant, with a capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), and the Karo Coal Handling Plant, with a capacity of 7 MTPA, are designed to transform the current coal transportation system. Presently, coal is delivered to railway sidings via road, but the new facilities will introduce First Mile Rail Connectivity, streamlining the transport process and reducing reliance on road networks.
The foundation stone ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including MP from Giridih, Chandra Prakash Chaudhary; MLA from Bermo, Kumar Jayamangal; Chairman of Coal India, P.M. Prasad; and CMD of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), Nilendu Kumar Singh.
During the event, Minister also participated in a tree-planting initiative to promote environmental sustainability.
Key Features of the Projects
Konar Coal Handling Plant: This facility will feature a receiving hopper, crusher, and a coal storage bunker with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes. A 1.6 km conveyor belt will facilitate the transfer of coal to railway wagons through a silo bunker with a 1,000-tonne storage capacity. The project, costing Rs 322 crore, is expected to reduce the current rake loading time from 5 hours to just 1 hour, significantly accelerating coal dispatch and increasing rake availability.
Karo Coal Handling Plant: This plant will include a receiving hopper, crusher, and a larger coal storage bunker with a capacity of 15,000 tonnes. A 1 km conveyor belt will transfer coal to railway wagons through a silo bunker capable of holding 4,000 tonnes. This project, costing Rs 410 crore, will similarly cut rake loading time from 5 hours to 1 hour, further expediting coal dispatch.
Both projects will utilize a fully mechanized, closed-loop system that eliminates road transport, thereby reducing diesel consumption and vehicle-related pollution. This transition is anticipated to contribute to a healthier environment in surrounding communities.
Under the leadership of CMD CCL, Nilendu Kumar Singh, Team CCL is actively launching new initiatives aimed at increasing coal production and dispatch, highlighting a commitment to modernization and sustainability within the coal industry.