**Executive Summary**
This document presents the Government of India's response to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 245 regarding the progress of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects as of December 17, 2025. It covers the implementation status of FMC projects by Coal India Limited (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), and Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL). The document also details project delays and assesses the impact of FMC systems, and projects completion dates.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **FMC Project Implementation and Capacity:**
* The current progress of FMC projects implemented by CIL, SCCL and NLCIL is attached as Annexure-I, with a total commissioned capacity of 552 MT.
* In addition, 10 FMC projects are commissioned by private coal blocks having capacity of 66 MT.
* **Coal Transportation via FMC:**
* From April to November 2025 (FY 2025-26), CIL and SCCL transported 180.84 million tonnes (MT) through FMC systems against a target of 300 MT.
* **Project Delays:**
* 19 FMC projects have been delayed due to issues like land availability, statutory clearances, local resistance, and rail connectivity.
* Revised timelines anticipate completion of these delayed projects by FY 2028.
* **Third-Party Assessments and Impact:**
* Coal India Limited engaged a third party to study 35 FMC projects to assess their environmental and economic impact.
* A study indicates that for a capacity of 351.5 MTY, road-based trips will reduce significantly, leading to an annual reduction of 2.31 lakh Tonne CO2-equivalent and annual savings of ₹2,100 crores due to reduced diesel consumption.
* With a total capacity of 552 MT, annual savings are expected to be approximately ₹3,300 crores at full capacity.
* **Benefits of FMC:**
* FMC enables faster, environment-friendly coal evacuation.
* Reduced road congestion, improved rake turnaround time, and accurate, quality-compliant loading via mechanized and digitally monitored systems.
* **Projects to be Commissioned (Annexure I):**
* Lists the names of 57 projects under Coal India Limited (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), and Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL).
* Also provides the Sub., Capacity (MTY), and Anticipated Date of Completion.
**Impact Analysis**
**Coal India Limited (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), and Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL)**
* **Impact**: These companies are directly involved in implementing and managing FMC projects, so their operational and financial performance is significantly affected by the success and efficiency of these projects. Meeting the FY 2025-26 target of 300MT and achieving completion by FY 2028 will greatly affect their operations.
* **Action Required**: CIL, SCCL and NLCIL need to monitor the progress of FMC projects, address the causes of delays, and take actions to ensure project completion within revised timelines. They should leverage the environmental and economic benefits of FMC systems, optimizing coal transportation and distribution networks.
**Ministry of Coal**
* **Impact:** The Ministry is accountable for meeting coal transportation targets and overseeing the progress of FMC projects. Delays affect the Ministry's ability to meet national energy demands and sustainable practices.
* **Action Required:** The Ministry needs to monitor the progress of FMC projects, address the causes of delays, and take actions to ensure project completion within revised timelines. They should leverage the environmental and economic benefits of FMC systems, optimizing coal transportation and distribution networks.
**Government of India**
* **Impact**: Successful implementation of FMC projects directly affects the government’s goals for infrastructure development, environmental protection, and economic growth. Any delays impact the overall energy sector.
* **Action Required**: The government must continue to support the FMC initiative through policy interventions, financial assistance, and regulatory oversight to ensure that the projects are completed as per revised schedules and that the expected benefits are realized.
Key Entities Referenced
First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects: Projects aiming to improve coal transportation and reduce environmental impact.
Ministry of Coal: The ministry responsible for overseeing the coal sector in India.
Coal India Limited (CIL): A major coal producing company in India involved in the FMC projects.
Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL): A coal mining company in India involved in the FMC projects.
Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL): A lignite mining company in India involved in the FMC projects.