Stakeholder meet backs Rail-Sea-Rail model to boost efficiency and cut emissions.
In a major step toward sustainable coal logistics, the Ministry of Coal convened a high-level stakeholder consultation in New Delhi on “Exploring the Opportunities for Sustainable Coal Transportation through the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) Mode.” The event brought together key players across ministries, state governments, coal producers, port authorities, and logistics providers to foster consensus on the adoption of multimodal transport for coal.
Delivering the keynote, Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, hailed the RSR model as a visionary step aligned with India’s goals of energy security, logistics efficiency, and environmental responsibility. He highlighted RSR’s advantages—merging rail and coastal shipping—as cost-effective and eco-friendly, ideal for transporting coal to far-off consumption centres, especially in Southern and Western India.
Emphasizing the need for smarter, greener, and more resilient logistics, Shri Dutt called for tighter coordination across sectors to streamline infrastructure, optimize operations, and eliminate procedural roadblocks. Discussions covered key areas such as mechanised handling at ports, improved rake availability, better intermodal connectivity, and rationalisation of port charges.
With a target of moving 65 million tonnes of coal via RSR by FY 2026 and scaling to 120 million tonnes by FY 2030, the ministry is banking on a policy and infrastructure push. This includes initiatives like the Telescopic Freight Circular for freight cost savings and the Rail Sagar Corridor to boost port connectivity.
The Ministry of Railways is tasked with ensuring adequate rake supply and strengthening rail links from mines to ports, while the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways will focus on port infrastructure and optimised coal handling. These coordinated efforts are set to accelerate the adoption of the RSR model, marking a new chapter in India’s journey toward energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable
Source: ET
