New Delhi: Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has achieved a major milestone in strengthening its coal evacuation infrastructure with the successful trial rake loading at the Maheshpur Rapid Loading System (RLS) and the subsequent dispatch of the first rake to NTPC Nabinagar.
The development marks an important step in BCCL’s First Mile Connectivity (FMC) initiative, aimed at modernising coal transportation and improving the efficiency of coal evacuation through mechanised railway loading.
The trial rake loading was successfully completed at Maheshpur RLS on September 20, 2026, following the completion of key railway connectivity, safety and operational requirements.
Maheshpur RLS: BCCL’s First First Mile Connectivity Project
The Maheshpur RLS has a capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum (MTY) and is the first First Mile Connectivity project undertaken by BCCL. The project has been developed with the support of the Ministry of Coal and Coal India, in collaboration with the State Government and Indian Railways.
The facility is designed to facilitate the rapid and mechanised loading of coal directly into railway rakes, thereby strengthening the coal evacuation network.
Key features of the project include:
- Capacity: 5 million tonnes per annum
- Project: BCCL’s first First Mile Connectivity project
- Facility: Rapid Loading System
- Mode of evacuation: Mechanised railway loading
- First rake destination: NTPC Nabinagar
- Trial rake loading: September 20, 2026
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Maheshpur Project Reaches Operational Milestone
Construction of the Maheshpur Silo was completed in January 2020. Since then, work has focused on developing the associated railway infrastructure, completing statutory requirements and preparing the facility for operations.
Several important milestones were achieved during 2026 as the project moved towards operationalisation.
The key developments included:
- August 7, 2026: Rail connectivity to the Main DC Line was completed.
- August 19, 2026: Non-Interlocking (NI) work was completed.
- August 27, 2026: M/s Merit Technologies India Limited received the Letter of Award for operation and maintenance of the silo for five years.
- September 9, 2026: Diesel engine trials were conducted.
- September 15, 2026: Railway Authority approved the Commercial Notification for four weeks.
- September 20, 2026: Trial rake loading was successfully completed at Maheshpur RLS and the first rake was dispatched to NTPC Nabinagar.
These developments have taken the Maheshpur RLS closer to regular commercial operations.
First Rake Dispatched to NTPC Nabinagar
The successful trial rake loading at Maheshpur RLS was followed by the dispatch of the first rake to NTPC Nabinagar.
The milestone demonstrates the readiness of the facility for mechanised railway-based coal evacuation after the completion of key infrastructure and operational requirements.
Focus on Mechanised and Efficient Coal Evacuation
The Maheshpur RLS has been designed to improve the efficiency of coal evacuation through rapid and mechanised loading of railway rakes. The facility is expected to reduce dependence on conventional coal-loading systems and improve the interface between coal-handling facilities and railway transportation.
The mechanised system is aimed at supporting:
- Faster loading of railway rakes
- More efficient coal evacuation
- Improved integration with railway transportation
- Modernisation of coal logistics infrastructure
- Greater operational efficiency in coal movement
As BCCL’s first FMC project, the successful trial operation represents an important step in the company’s efforts to expand mechanised coal evacuation infrastructure.
BCCL Leadership and Officials Present
BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal was present during the inauguration and trial operation at Maheshpur.
Other senior officials and representatives present on the occasion included:
- Rajesh Kumar, Director (Finance/HR)
- Satyakam Anand, General Manager (Govindpur)
- K.K. Singh, General Manager (Barora)
- G.K. Mehta, General Manager (UG & Siding)
- R.R. Karna, General Manager (Electrical & Mechanical)
- Dheeraj Kumar, Project Officer (Maheshpur Silo)
- Officials from Indian Railways
- Representatives of other stakeholders involved in the project
The participation of BCCL, Indian Railways and other stakeholders reflects the coordinated efforts behind the commissioning and trial operation of the facility.
Maheshpur RLS to Strengthen BCCL’s Coal Logistics Network
The successful dispatch of the first rake from Maheshpur RLS is expected to strengthen BCCL’s coal logistics network and support the company’s broader efforts towards modernisation.With a designed capacity of 5 MTY, the facility can play an important role in increasing the use of mechanised railway loading for coal evacuation.
About Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) under the Ministry of Coal. Headquartered in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, BCCL is primarily engaged in the mining of coking coal and plays an important role in supplying coking coal to India’s steel industry.
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