BCCL, South Eastern Railway Hold High-Level Kolkata Meet to Fast-Track Coal Logistics, Siding Infra Upgrades – Indian PSU
In a major step towards improving coal evacuation and railway logistics, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal held a high-level meeting with South Eastern Railway (SER) General Manager Anil Kumar Jain at SER Headquarters in Kolkata.
Senior officials from both sides discussed a wide range of issues including enhancement of coal transportation capacity, modernization of railway sidings, infrastructure delays, demurrage burden and faster rake movement.
BCCL informed that rake loading through its sidings declined in FY 2025-26 and in April 2026 due to heavy rainfall, land acquisition-related law and order issues and reduced consumer demand. However, the company projected improved loading in May-June.
For FY 2026-27, BCCL has set a target to gradually raise loading to 16.75 rakes per day by the fourth quarter, largely dependent on operational improvements across sidings and commissioning of the Maheshpur silo.
The meeting also reviewed optimal utilization of Jamadoba, Munidih, Madhuban and Bhojudih washeries, while informing that monetization of Sudamdih Washery is under process.
BCCL sought urgent railway support on several pending matters, including:
- lease transfer of 6.81 acres near Katras-Malkera link line,
- early upgradation of Sudamdih Siding No. 5,
- completion certificate for Borragarh Siding Track Extension,
- allotment of Loyabad Goods Shed,
- increase in free loading time at KKC-Link siding, and
- waiver/adjustment of demurrage charges.
Key infrastructure delays such as Sudamdih siding renovation, Moonidih washery connectivity approvals and Dhaubhni Bridge construction were also discussed.
Both BCCL and South Eastern Railway agreed to intensify coordination to make coal transportation faster, cost-effective and timely, strengthening the coal-rail partnership crucial for the nation’s energy supply.
