The foundation stone of KDH-Purnadih Coal Handling Plant in North Karanpura area of CCL was laid by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Honorable Prime Minister was present at Khunti, the birthplace of Lord Birsa Munda, on the auspicious occasion of Tribal Pride Day. From there he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various new projects worth Rs 7200 crore.

Under this, the PM also inaugurated Rs 442 crore DH-Purnadih, Coal Handling Plant of CCL through virtual remote facility. This is a proud day for CCL. On this historic moment, CMD of CCL, Dr B Veera Reddy was present at the venue of the PM. At the foundation stone laying ceremony, CCL Director Technical (Operations), Ram Babu Prasad, Director Technical (Planning or Project), B Sairam, General Manager, NK Area, Sanjay Kumar, respected officers, union representatives, public representatives, CISF officers and jawans and other CCL personnel were present.

It may be noted that the concept of mechanized first mile connectivity in coal transportation is being materialized by incorporating the principles of 'PM Gatishakti Master Plan' of the Government of India in CCL. KDH-Purnadih Coal Handling Plant will prove to be an important link in the direction of first mile rail connectivity, under which arrangements will be made to transport the coal produced from KDH and Purnadih coal mines of CCL to the nearest railway circuit, from where it will be supplied to thermal power plants across the Country. It will be delivered to plants and other consumers. At present, coal from these mines is brought by tipper to KDH railway siding by road.

This plant consists of receiving hopper, crusher, coal storage bunker of 15000 tonne capacity and conveyor belt, with the help of which coal will be transferred to railway wagons through silo bunker of 4000 tonne storage capacity. The project cost of 7.5 million tonne per annum capacity is Rs 442 crore.

It is a closed-loop, fully mechanized system that will bring speed and efficiency in dispatch of coal by eliminating transportation by road and thus minimizing diesel consumption. After the commencement of this project, dust and vehicle generated emissions will be reduced, which will lead to qualitative improvement in the environment of the area. The construction work of this project is proposed to be completed in approximately two years.