Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 3:54PM by PIB Delhi

Forest surveillance, wildlife monitoring, border and disaster surveillance in the North East, may soon be much easier — thanks to the Aerostatic Drone developed with support from North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR).

NECTAR, an autonomous body under Department of Science and Technology, Government of India organized a live demonstration of the technology developed by Airbotix Technologies, Gurgaon.

It is the first of its kind in India, designed with high endurance and aero-statically stable capabilities to deploy for forest surveillance, wildlife monitoring, border and disaster surveillance application. Aerostatic drones are aerial platforms that derive their lift from both buoyancy and aerodynamics.

This makes them very energy efficient making them a better alternative for tethered drones. Aerostatic drones are silent as they do not require constant thrust to stay afloat, making them cost-effective and versatile solution for providing persistent surveillance.

The aerostatic drone provides a silent aerial platform that can persistently stay afloat for surveillance with an endurance of over 4 hours. The system is designed to be modular and could be integrated with any ground vehicle or can be installed at any site. The drone can be utilized for a variety of use cases such as wildlife monitoring, forest surveillance, crowd monitoring, border security and disaster surveillance to name a few.

The flexibility to equip the drone with both day and night camera as well as any other payload such as telecommunication relay and anti-drone payload. The Day and Night Vision Camera cameras further enhances its utility, especially in tracking monitoring forests for illegal activities such as poaching, smuggling and logging, as well as by providing support for security operations along borders.

Participants from various organizations interacted with Airbotix Technologyy about the drone’s technical capabilities. The Drone has features related to surveillance using thermal imaging and detection capabilities. 

Officials from the CRPF showing a keen interest in how the drone could enhance their operations, particularly in border surveillance and security in challenging terrains. The ability of the drone to operate in both daylight and low-visibility conditions using thermal cameras could be a significant asset for security personnel.

Fig: Aerostatic Drone for Enhanced Surveillance and Disaster Management

 

The drones could play a crucial role in monitoring forest health and wildlife populations, enabling conservationists to track animal movements and assess habitat conditions without disturbing the ecosystem as they are silent. In military and security contexts, aerostatic drones are employed for ISR missions, providing real-time data and situational awareness, which enhances strategic planning and operational effectiveness. Furthermore, as they have very little metal components, they are practically invisible to the RADAR.

Aerostatic drones can serve as temporary communication relays in remote areas or during emergencies, ensuring connectivity where traditional infrastructure may be lacking or compromised. Aerostatic drones can also be integrated into systems designed to detect unauthorized drone activity, enhancing security measures at sensitive locations such as airports and military bases.

During public events, these drones could assist law enforcement by monitoring crowd behavior, helping to ensure safety and manage potential disturbances effectively. Moreover, they can be utilized to monitor traffic conditions in urban areas, providing valuable data for traffic management systems and aiding in the reduction of congestion through real-time information dissemination.

The officials from Brahmaputra Board expressed their keenness to use the aerostatic drone for disaster management and for monitoring civil construction such as roads.

The Aerostatic Drone is expected to be a game-changer in its field, with its versatility and high-performance features setting a new standard for unmanned aerial vehicle technology in India.

 

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2123451) Visitor Counter : 52

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in partnership with  Startup India and Stride Ventures, announced the startup Buoyancy Plastics for Change Recycling Private Limited as the winner of the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025, an initiative aimed at recognizing and empowering high-impact, homegrown startups.

(Release ID: 2123468) Visitor Counter : 48

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police today (April 22) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Cheung Sha Wan.

Chan Fung-siu, Susanna, aged 68, went missing after she left her residence on Sham Mong Road yesterday (April 21) afternoon. Her family then made a report to Police.

She is about 1.5 metres tall, 43 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a long face with yellow complexion and long grey and white hair. She was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt, black trousers, grey and white sneakers, a pair of glasses and a pink mask and carrying a blue and black luggage.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8036 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Government of India

Constitutional Offices Are Not Ornamental; Every Citizen Is Supreme In A Democracy, Stresses Vice-President

There Is No Visualisation in the Constitution of Any Authority above Parliament, Asserts VP

Is Our Discourse Controlled by Moneybags, Muscle Power, And Foreign Interests? You Must Discern, Urges Vice-President

The Constitution Is For the People; Elected Representatives Are Its Repository, Affirms VP

Soul of Democracy Resides In Each Citizen, Says Vice-President

If You Hesitate To Speak The Right Thing At The Right Time, To The Right Group  You’ll Not Only Weaken Yourself, But Also Deeply Wound Positive Forces, says VP

Vice-President presides over ‘Kartavyam’, an event commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution at the University of Delhi

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 2:43PM by PIB Delhi

The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, “For any democracy, every citizen has a pivotal role. I find it inconceivably intriguing that some have recently reflected that constitutional offices can be ceremonial or ornamental. Nothing can be far distanced from a wrong understanding of the role of everyone in this country, constitutional functionary or a citizen. According to me, a citizen is supreme because a nation and democracy are built by citizens. Every one of them has a role. The soul of democracy resides and pulsates in every citizen. Democracy will blossom. Its values will get heightened. When citizen is alert, citizen contributes and what a citizen contributes, there is no substitution of that.”

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest over ‘Kartavyam’, an event commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution at the University of Delhi today, the Vice-President and ex-officio Chancellor of the University of Delhi, stated, “There is no visualisation in the constitution of any authority above parliament. Parliament is supreme and that being the situation. Let me tell you, it is as supreme as every individual in the country. Part of ‘We the People’ is an atom in democracy and that atom has atomic power. That atomic power is reflected during elections and that is why we are a democratic nation.”

He also added that, “The Constitution is encapsulated—its essence, it’s worth, its nectar—in the Preamble of the Constitution. And what does it say? ‘We, the People of India’, the supreme power is with them. No one is above the people of India. And we, the People of India, under the Constitution, have chosen to reflect their aspirations, their desires, and their will through their public representatives. And they hold the representatives accountable—severely accountable, on occasions—through elections. A Prime Minister who imposed ‘Emergency’ was held accountable in 1977. And therefore, let there be no doubt about it: the Constitution is for the people, and its repository of safeguarding is that of the elected representatives. They are the ultimate masters as to what the Constitution’s content will be.”

Reflecting on the duty of citizens in democracy, the Vice-President said, “Democracy is not only for the government to govern. It is participatory democracy, just not laws, but also culture and ethos. Citizenship demands action, not merely status….Democracy is shaped not by governments, democracy is shaped by individuals. Because individuals bear the responsibility to uphold our symbols, preserve our heritage, defend sovereignty, foster brotherhood….. Government has a role that it [individual] does not become a handicap. Government has a role that it must have affirmative policies but government is like giving me a good stadium, a good football ground. Goals have to be scored by individuals.”

Underlining the significance of quality of discourse in any healthy democracy, the Vice-President said, “If you want to know the health of democracy, like the health of an individual, if you want to analyse how healthy is our democracy, then you will have to find out discourse quality, the kind of discourse we have. Is our discourse moderated? Is our discourse manipulated? Is our discourse controlled by moneybags, by muscle power, by foreign interests, by people working against the interests of this nation? You will have to discern.”

Underlining the significance of freedom of expression, he stated, “We have to understand—democracy thrives through expression and dialogue. Abhivyakti aur samvaad—these are the core mantras of democracy. These are the basic mantras. If your right of expression is throttled or regulated, as was done during the Emergency, democracy nosedives. But if you have the right of expression, and that expression reflects arrogance and ego—where you believe your expression is ultimate, where you refuse to entertain any different point of view, refuse to even look at the other side—that too is not true expression as per our civilization. Because every expression demands respect for dialogue, and respect for the other point of view. You must always be prepared to be challenged. And to challenge is not a physical act—it is a challenge of ideas, a difference in thought: “I disagree with you.” That does not mean “I am disagreeable.” There must always be space for such exchange. Therefore, expression and dialogue are complementary—they together define democracy. If we delve into our civilizational heritage, this was referred to in Vedic times as ‘Anantavad’—the idea of infinite perspectives. There was a tradition of vaad-vivaad—debate and discourse—And this tradition was free of ego. Vaad-vivaad dissolves ego and arrogance. Because if I believe that only I am right and no one else can be right—that arrogance tarnishes not only the individual but also institutions. That is why, for a healthy democracy, expression and dialogue are essential.”

“If you hesitate to speak the right thing, at the right time, to the right group and the right person, you will not only weaken yourself but also deeply hurt those positive forces. Therefore, expression and dialogue are of utmost importance. Nations are not built by industrialists, nations are built by individuals. The power of the individual, as I said an atom. The power is atomic, you have that power. You only have to realise it”, he further added.

Emphasising the role of youth in nation-building, Shri Dhankhar added, “The quality of discourse defines our democracy and in this, I have no doubt, our youth must elevate beyond partisanship to thoughtful deliberation. Our youth cannot afford this critical juncture when Bharat is rising, the rise is unstoppable. We are destined to be a global power. We will be a developed nation. You cannot be tied down to partisan interests; you have to believe only in national interests.”

Shri Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean Colleges, University of Delhi, Shri Prakash Singh, Director, South Delhi Campus, University of Delhi and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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JK/RC/SM

(Release ID: 2123424) Visitor Counter : 17

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, at the Earth Forum 2025 today (April 22):
 
Plato (Chairperson of Friends of the Earth (HK), Mr Plato Yip), King (Executive Director of the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), Dr King Au), Dr Leng (Board Member of the International Sustainability Standards Board of the IFRS Foundation, Dr Bing Leng), Dr Guo (Chairman of the China Sustainable Investment Forum (China SIF), Dr Guo Peiyuan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. It is my great honour and pleasure to join you today at the Earth Forum 2025, a gathering of visionaries committed to shaping a sustainable future. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Friends of the Earth, FSDC and China SIF for organising this pivotal event and to all of you for your unwavering dedication to advancing green finance.
 
     As Asia’s leading international financial centre, Hong Kong has also become Asia’s premier hub for green and sustainable finance. To align with the target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, Hong Kong has made significant commitments of its own. These targets are not merely aspirational; they are driving systemic reforms across various sectors, including energy, transportation, and finance.
 
     In 2024, the total green and sustainable debts issued in Hong Kong exceeded US$84 billion, among which the volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged in Hong Kong amounted to around US$43 billion, ranking first in the Asian market for seven consecutive years since 2018 and capturing around 45 per cent of the regional total. This accomplishment solidifies our position as the region’s premier platform for scaling climate-positive investments and also underscores our dedication to fostering a robust green finance ecosystem.
 
     Hong Kong’s status as a strategic nexus for green finance in Asia is central to advancing global sustainability objectives. As of the end of December last year, there are more than 220 ESG (environmental, social and governance) funds in Hong Kong authorised by our regulator, with assets under management (AUM) of around HK$1.2 trillion. This represents a remarkable increase of 136 per cent in the number of funds and a 15 per cent rise in AUM from just three years ago. These elements will solidify Hong Kong’s role as the gateway to sustainable finance in Asia.
 
     As an international financial centre, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to mobilise the necessary capital for climate solutions while ensuring robust integrity within our financial markets. Hong Kong’s multifaceted approach encompasses policy frameworks, market infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and cross-border collaboration. Our Government Sustainable Bond Programme stands as a testament to this transformation. Having raised HK$220 billion since 2019, including the groundbreaking tokenised bond charge, we’re not just starting green projects but creating new benchmarks for the market in different currencies and across different tenors. The recent expansion of the programme to include sustainable projects reflects our commitment to financing a broader range of climate solutions.
 
     As we navigate the complexities of climate change and strive for a sustainable future, transparency and robust governance remain fundamental to our approach. In December 2024, we launched a roadmap on sustainability disclosure in Hong Kong. The roadmap sets out Hong Kong’s approach to require publicly accountable entities (PAEs) to adopt the ISSB Standards (International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards). Assuming the role of the sustainability reporting standard setter in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) published in December 2024 following a public consultation the Hong Kong Sustainability Disclosure Standards (Hong Kong Standards) fully aligned with the ISSB Standards, with an effective date of August 1, 2025. All these ensure our regulatory framework remains aligned with international best practices while addressing the specific needs of the evolving markets.
 
     Our regulatory framework is fundamental to creating a robust and dynamic sustainable finance ecosystem. By establishing clear guidelines and standards, we can ensure that all stakeholders are aligned in their efforts towards sustainability. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance in May 2024, aligns with the two mainstream taxonomies of the Mainland and the European Union (EU), and currently encompasses 12 economic activities under four sectors, namely power generation, transportation, construction, and water and waste management. It serves as a pivotal tool to raise awareness about green finance, promote common understanding of green activities, facilitate green finance flows, and provide a foundation for further applications. In its Phase 2 development, the Taxonomy will introduce transition activities and add new green activities to make it more usable and support the transition of the region.
 
     We recognise that developing green finance talent is vital for sustaining our leadership position. Our Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme has successfully approved over 6 400 applications with a total amount of reimbursement of about HK$35.8 million. As mentioned in the 2025-2026 Budget, we will extend the scheme to 2028 to continuously support local green finance talent training.
 
     Our progress reflects the Government’s commitment to not only human capital development but also technological innovation. The Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Support Scheme, launched by the Government in June last year, aims to nurture an advanced green fintech ecosystem by providing vital support for innovative projects. The Scheme facilitates the commercialisation of the solutions and the completion of the proof-of-concept stage, enabling wider adoption of green and sustainable fintech solutions with potential in the business landscape of Hong Kong. A total of 39 applicants involving 60 projects were approved, with a grant of HK$150,000 for each project. These initiatives are building the expertise required to sustain Hong Kong’s leadership in sustainable finance.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, the transition to a sustainable future is both our greatest challenge and our most exciting opportunity. Hong Kong stands ready to play its part – as a financial hub, as an innovator and, most importantly, as your partner in this vital work. Looking ahead, we will leverage Hong Kong’s unique position as an international financial centre to connect capital with climate solutions. This strategic role positions Hong Kong to make significant contributions to global climate action through financial innovation.
 
     I look forward to today’s constructive dialogue and to our continued collaboration in translating these strategic initiatives into tangible outcomes that advance Hong Kong’s sustainable finance leadership. Let us work together to build a sustainable future.
 
     Thank you.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 2:54PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi  highlighted the growing ties between India and Saudi Arabia, in an interview with  Arabnews. Shri Modi described Saudi Arabia as a trusted friend and strategic ally, emphasising the significant expansion of bilateral relations since the creation of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019.

The Prime Minister’s Office wrote in a post on X:

“In an interview with @arabnews, PM @narendramodi highlighted the growing ties between India and Saudi Arabia. He described Saudi Arabia as “a trusted friend and strategic ally,” emphasising the significant expansion of bilateral relations since the creation of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019.”

Read the interview here: https://arabnews.com/node/2597904/saudi-arabia

 

 

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MJPS/VJ

(Release ID: 2123426) Visitor Counter : 165

Source: Government of India

Unlocking $25+ Billion Exports in India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector

Forging India’s Future

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 3:23PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

The tools industry—comprising hand and power tools—is a foundational pillar of the global manufacturing ecosystem, enabling production across multiple sectors such as construction, automotive, electronics, and infrastructure. In April 2025, NITI Aayog and the Foundation for Economic Development jointly published the report “Unlocking $25+ Billion Exports: India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector”, laying out a comprehensive roadmap to scale up India’s global exports from the current $1 billion to over $25 billion by 2035.

 

India’s current export footprint in this sector remains modest, yet it possesses key strengths—low-cost labor, strategic trade positioning, and a growing manufacturing base—that offer significant potential to transform the nation into a competitive global player.

 

This report is both a clarion call and a roadmap, urging policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to seize a transformative export opportunity worth over $25 billion in the next decade.

Overview

• Global Market Size (2022): ~$100 billion
  • Hand Tools: $34 billion
  • Power Tools: $63 billion
• Projected Market Size (2035): $190 billion (CAGR: 53%)
  • Hand Tools: $60 billion
  • Power Tools: $134 billion
• India’s exports in 2025:
  • Hand Tools: $600 million (1.8% global share)
  • Power Tools: $425 million (0.7% global share)

 

Targets by 2035 for India:

• Hand Tools: 25% market share → $15 billion exports
• Power Tools: 10% market share → $12 billion exports
• Total Export Opportunity: Over $25 billion
• Employment Generation: 3.5 million direct and indirect jobs

 

India’s Current Export Profile

Hand Tools

India’s hand tools sector has developed a robust MSME ecosystem with key manufacturing clusters in Punjab (Jalandhar, Ludhiana), Maharashtra (Mumbai, Nagpur), and Rajasthan (Nagaur). Common exports include wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and hand saws. The sector’s success is linked to labor-intensive processes, localized supply chains, and historical evolution post-Independence.

Power Tools

The country currently lacks a comprehensive electronic manufacturing ecosystem for power tools, which require precision components like motors and batteries.

Export Destinations and Trade Opportunities

 

• Top Importers: USA and European Union account for 55–60% of global imports.

• Although India’s exports have also grown by 24% year-on-year, there remains considerable untapped potential for further expansion.

  Tariff Advantage: U.S. imposed 7.5–25% additional tariffs on Chinese tools, creating new opportunities for alternative suppliers like India.

 

Existing Government Support Mechanisms

• Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP): RoDTEP provides rebates to exporters for taxes and duties on exported goods to help make Indian exporters more competitive in international markets. Under this scheme, hand tools exporters get rebates of 1.1% as a percentage of their Free on Board (FOB) value, and power tools get rebates of 0.9% as a percentage of their FOB value.
• Duty Drawback Scheme: Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) allows duty-free import of inputs but on a post export basis only. Inputs imported under this scheme are exempted of the Basic Customs Duty only. To qualify, the inputs must be listed under the Standard Input Output Norms (SION), and a minimum value addition of 20% must be achieved. Under this scheme, manufacturers of hand and power tools are eligible for duty drawbacks of 1.5% to 2% on their input costs, as per the Duty drawback rates, 2023.

 

Strategic Policy Recommendations

1. Create World-Class Clusters for Hand Tools

• Goal: 3–4 clusters spanning ~4000 acres by 2035
• Estimated Investment: ₹12,000 crore (Government) + ₹45,000 crore (Industry)
• Cluster Features:
  • Plug-and-play industrial infrastructure
  • Worker housing, R&D centers, testing labs
  • Convention facilities, 24×7 power and water supply

• To build world class clusters, it is important to invest in infrastructure such as effluent treatment plants, guaranteed 24×7 power supply, and plug and play factories.

  Governance Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) via a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), state Cluster Authority, and private developers

 

2. Structural Reforms

• Reduce import duties and rationalize Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
• Reform Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme to ease compliance.
• Align labor laws with global standards (e.g., 300 hours quarterly overtime).
• Liberalize Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and ground coverage norms.
• Ensure 24×7 low-cost electricity and improve logistics.

• If factor market reforms are implemented, no additional fiscal incentive will be required from the government.

  Encourage domestic R&D and ease technology transfer.

 

3. Bridge Support (Contingent)

If reforms are delayed, bridge support worth ₹5,800 crore over 5 years is recommended.

• Hand Tools: ₹3,450 crore
  • Logistics: ₹450 crore
  • Interest Subvention: ₹700 crore
  • Competitiveness Incentive: ₹700 crore
  • Capital Subsidy: ₹1,600 crore
• Power Tools: ₹2,230 crore
  • Interest Subvention: ₹430 crore
  • Competitiveness Incentive: ₹1,500 crore

  • Support should be treated as a strategic investment, not a subsidy, with a projected return of 2–3 times in tax revenues.

    Capital Subsidy: ₹300 crore

 

Conclusion

India stands at a pivotal juncture in its industrial transformation. The tools sector, though currently underrepresented in global trade, offers a rare and time-sensitive opportunity to reposition India as a reliable manufacturing alternative to China. The roadmap presented by NITI Aayog focuses on leveraging India’s inherent strengths—abundant labor, a rising manufacturing base, and sectoral synergies—while urgently addressing its structural weaknesses.

References

https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-04/India_Hand_Power_Tools_Sector_Report.pdf

Click here to see PDF.

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Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

(Release ID: 2123437) Visitor Counter : 71

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 4:47PM by PIB Delhi

Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian inaugurated a two day (22- 23 April) orientation -cum-training program for Haj 2025 deputationists .

Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar & JS (Haj) Shri CPS Bakshi welcomed all the Haj deputationists and appealed to them to make Haj 2025 successful.

A total of 620 deputationists, including administrative and medical personnel, have been selected for this pious job.

The two day session aims at capacity building and training of the selected administrative and medical personnel.

 

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SS/ STK

(Release ID: 2123473) Visitor Counter : 87

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 22 APR 2025 4:59PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Coal today convened a stakeholder consultation on “Exploring the Opportunities for Sustainable Coal Transportation through the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) Mode” in New Delhi. The consultation aimed at driving consensus and synergy among key players in the coal logistics value chain to promote multimodal transportation for a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable future.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, termed the RSR model as a forward-looking initiative that aligns with the nation’s broader goals of enhancing logistical efficiency, ensuring energy security, and promoting environmental sustainability. He underscored that RSR transportation, which integrates rail and coastal shipping, is not only an economical alternative but also significantly environment-friendly due to its lower carbon footprint. Shri Dutt emphasized the importance of embracing innovative, smarter, greener, and more resilient multimodal transport systems to meet the growing demand for coal in distant consumption centers, especially in Southern and Western India. He called for close coordination among Ministries, State Governments, power generation companies (Gencos), coal producers, port authorities, and logistics providers to streamline infrastructure, optimize operations, and remove procedural bottlenecks for the successful implementation of RSR movement.

The consultation witnessed active participation from a wide array of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Ministry of Power, State Governments, Coal India Limited (CIL), captive and commercial miners, Gencos and port operators. During the discussions, stakeholders shared valuable insights and practical suggestions on enhancing intermodal connectivity, deploying mechanized coal handling infrastructure at ports, improving rake availability, and rationalizing port charges.

With a projection of transporting 120 MT of coal through the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) mode by FY 2030, the Ministry of Coal has set a target of 65 MT to be moved via this route by FY 2026. This goal will be supported by key initiatives such as the Telescopic Freight Circular issued by the Ministry of Railways, which provides substantial freight savings, and the planned infrastructure expansion under the Rail Sagar Corridor to enhance port connectivity. Going forward, adequate rake supply and robust rail infrastructure connecting mines to ports will be crucial responsibilities of the Ministry of Railways. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) will play a vital role by optimizing shipping and port handling charges and developing dedicated coal berths. These coordinated inter-ministerial efforts are expected to provide strong momentum to the RSR model and significantly improve the sustainability and efficiency of coal transportation across the country.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to advancing multimodal coal logistics by fostering inter-agency collaboration, promoting infrastructure investment, and providing policy support to unlock the full potential of the RSR transportation model thereby supporting India’s journey toward energy security and sustainable growth.

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Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2123476) Visitor Counter : 48