Coal India Limited (CIL) onFriday said it has engaged Indian Port Rail Corporation Limited (IPRCL) to execute its rail infrastructure works, construction of additional sidings, and connectivity with the railway main lines.A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two entities on Thursday.The move will also help CILs first-mile connectivity with mines. 'First-mile connectivity' is transportation of coal from pithead to despatch point.This will be implemented in 35 of CILs coal projects each having production a capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum. Infrastructure upgrade at these 35 projects necessitates construction of railway lines.CIL has decided to switch over to seamless mechanized coal transportation through piped conveyor belts in its large mines by 2023-24 replacing the existing road transport of coal.The scope of work of IPRCL includes preparation of the feasibility study report, detailed project report and its approval from railways, project management consultancy, execution of work, operation and maintenance of siding.
