New Delhi: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has commissioned a 4,000-metric-tonne (MT) capacity silo at the Ib Valley Coal Washery in the Lakhanpur Area of Odisha’s Jharsuguda district.
The new facility is aimed at strengthening mechanised coal evacuation and rail logistics infrastructure while improving the efficiency and reliability of washed coal transportation to consumers.
MCL Expands First Mile Connectivity Infrastructure
The newly commissioned silo forms part of MCL’s efforts to expand First Mile Connectivity (FMC) and modernise coal handling and transportation systems.
The facility integrates mechanised coal-handling systems with rail-based transportation, enabling:
- Systematic storage of washed coal
- Faster loading of railway rakes
- Improved rake utilisation
- More efficient dispatch operations
- Greater reliability in coal transportation
- Reduced dependence on conventional coal-handling practices
The technology-driven infrastructure is expected to streamline the movement of washed coal from the washery to consumers.
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4,000 MT Silo Strengthens Rail-Based Coal Dispatch
The silo is designed to support more efficient loading of washed coal into railway rakes.
By integrating storage and mechanised handling with rail transportation, the facility is expected to reduce operational delays and improve the overall coal dispatch process.
The development will also strengthen coordination between MCL and Indian Railways, supporting a more integrated domestic coal logistics network.
Ib Valley Coal Washery Has 10 MTPA Capacity
The Ib Valley Coal Washery has a capacity of 10 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and is the largest non-coking coal beneficiation facility under Coal India.
The addition of the 4,000 MT silo is expected to further strengthen the washery’s capabilities in:
- Coal handling
- Washed coal storage
- Mechanised loading
- Railway dispatch
- Coal transportation
The infrastructure upgrade is aimed at supporting efficient movement of beneficiated coal to end consumers.
Facility Jointly Inaugurated by MCL and Indian Railways Officials
The new silo was jointly inaugurated by A.K. Pandey, General Manager, Lakhanpur Area, and Ghanshyam, Area Railway Manager, Indian Railways.
Senior officials and employees from MCL and Indian Railways were present during the inauguration.
The participation of railway officials highlights the importance of coordinated rail logistics in strengthening coal evacuation from the region.
Technology-Driven Coal Logistics to Improve Efficiency
MCL said the technology-driven facility will support more efficient and reliable coal supplies to consumers.
The silo is expected to improve the overall efficiency of coal evacuation by combining mechanised handling with rail transportation. It will also contribute to reducing reliance on conventional coal-handling methods.
The development comes as MCL continues to modernise its coal logistics infrastructure and expand mechanised systems for faster and more efficient evacuation.
MCL Strengthens Integrated Domestic Coal Supply Network
The commissioning of the silo represents another step towards building a more integrated coal transportation system.
Improved coordination between coal-handling infrastructure and railway logistics can help optimise rake utilisation and ensure smoother dispatches from the washery.
The facility is therefore expected to support MCL’s broader focus on modernisation, mechanisation and efficient coal evacuation.
About Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is a major subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) and one of India’s leading coal-producing companies. Headquartered in Sambalpur, Odisha, MCL operates coal mines across Odisha and contributes significantly to the country’s coal supply, particularly for the power and industrial sectors.
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