In view of the projected expansion of production and dispatch of coal by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, the company has planned to construct four coal corridors in its coal producing areas comprising Talcher, Ib valley and Basundhara mines.

Mr AK Singh director (project and planning) of MCL said that “The coal transport through these corridors will be easy and pollution free. At present, roads in these areas are in a dilapidated condition. The proposed road projects will link the colliery pit heads with their respective railway sidings.”

He said that “Two large corridors are planned for Talcher and Basundhara fields with an estimated cost of about INR 290 and INR 395 crore respectively while the other two road corridors in Laxmanpur and Ib valley areas will be relatively small adding, substantial progress has been made on the Talcher coal corridor.”

The road projects are overdue in view of increasing coal traffic in the colliery areas following sharp rise in production. It is very difficult to handle such a large number to trucks on the road built decades ago. A total of 80,000 trucks are engaged in the internal coal transport works in MCL.

He added that For 39 km long Talcher coal corridor, MCL has sanctioned the money though the job contract is yet to be awarded. This will be done after the financial appraisal of the interested parties. As per rule, financial appraisal by any independent financial institution is necessary for the award of more than INR 150 crore tender.

(Sourced from BS)