Coal India Ltd (CIL) has committed a capital investment of around Rs 24,750 crore over the next five years on 61 first-mile connectivity (FMC) projects in an effort to promote environmentally friendly coal transportation.

The world's largest coal producer said in a statement that the projects, which will be built in three phases, will have a total capacity of 763.5 million tonnes per year when completed.

FMC projects involve the transportation of coal in mechanized piped conveyors from production points to coal handling plants/silos with a rapid loading system where coal is loaded directly into rail wagons.

"It is essential that coal transportation is environment friendly to improve the quality of life of people living in the proximity of coalfield areas. FMC projects offer benefits like suppression of dust pollution and carbon emissions. They also reduce the load on road transportation leading to safety. Other benefits include precise quantity and quality coal is loaded for consumers with minimal manual intervention," said a senior CIL official.

As many as 35 FMC projects under the first phase having 414.5 million tonnes capacity account for Rs 10,750 crore. Of these, eight projects of 112 million tonnes capacity are already operational.