Daily Current Affairs : 24-August-2023

The Ministry of Coal in India is spearheading a transformative initiative known as Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) transportation. This initiative aims to streamline the movement of domestic coal through an integrated system that combines railways and coastal shipping. In this essay, we will explore the significance of RSR transportation and why it is vital for India’s coal industry and logistics sector.

Current Scenario
  1. Rail Dominance: At present, railways are responsible for about 55% of coal evacuation in India. However, there is a goal to increase this share to 75% by the fiscal year 2030.
  2. Congestion Concerns: The Ministry of Coal recognizes the importance of reducing congestion on existing rail routes. It is vital to find alternative evacuation routes to ensure the smooth flow of coal.
Benefits of RSR Transportation

The Rail-Sea-Rail transportation strategy offers a multitude of benefits:

  1. Reduced Congestion: By introducing an additional mode of coal evacuation, RSR helps alleviate congestion on the All-Rail Route, ensuring a more efficient flow of coal.
  2. Export Opportunities: Building RSR infrastructure opens up possibilities for future coal exports. This can contribute to India’s economic growth and global trade.
  3. Environmental Friendliness: RSR boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional all-rail routes, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
The Need for RSR Transportation
  1. Rising Coal Production: The Ministry of Coal anticipates a substantial increase in coal production in India, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.7% by the fiscal year 2030.
  2. Ensuring Power Supply: With the expected surge in coal production, it becomes imperative to have an efficient coal evacuation system to supply power stations seamlessly. RSR can play a pivotal role in this regard.
Significance of RSR Transportation
  1. Logistics Revolution: RSR has the potential to revolutionize India’s logistics industry. This multimodal transportation system seamlessly moves coal from mines to ports and ultimately to end-users, reducing transportation costs and enhancing logistical efficiency.
  2. Economical and Eco-Friendly: Coastal shipping, a key component of RSR, is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. It aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
  3. Impressive Growth: The Ministry of Coal’s efforts to promote RSR have yielded impressive results. Over the past four years, Rail-Sea-Rail transportation of coal has exhibited remarkable growth, with a staggering increase of approximately 125%.

Important Points:

Current Scenario:

  • Railways handle 55% of coal evacuation with a target to increase to 75% by FY’30.
  • Need to reduce congestion on existing rail routes.

Benefits of RSR Transportation:

  • Reduces congestion on the All-Rail Route.
  • Creates future export opportunities.
  • Significantly lower carbon footprint compared to all-rail routes (ARR).

The Need for RSR Transportation:

  • Anticipated doubling of coal production in India by FY’30 (CAGR of ~7.7%).
  • Ensures seamless and uninterrupted power supply.

Significance of RSR Transportation:

  • Revolutionizes India’s logistics industry.
  • Economical and eco-friendly coastal shipping.
  • Impressive growth of RSR transportation, around 125% increase in the past four years.
Why In News

The Ministry of Coal has embarked on an ambitious initiative to foster the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) transportation system, designed to seamlessly integrate railway and maritime routes for the streamlined and eco-friendly transport of domestic coal. This strategic move not only aims to enhance the efficiency of coal transportation but also underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable logistics solutions, reducing both carbon emissions and logistical bottlenecks in the coal supply chain.

MCQs about India’s Rail-Sea-Rail Initiative

  1. What is one of the key benefits of the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) transportation strategy ?
    A. Increased congestion on existing rail routes.
    B. Reduced carbon emissions compared to all-rail routes.
    C. A decline in coal production.
    D. Limited export opportunities.
    Correct Answer: B. Reduced carbon emissions compared to all-rail routes.
    Explanation: The RSR has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to all-rail routes.
  2. Why is the Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) initiative considered crucial in the essay?
    A. To reduce coal production in India.
    B. To promote congestion on existing rail routes.
    C. To ensure a seamless power supply.
    D. To discourage coal exports.
    Correct Answer: C. To ensure a seamless power supply.
    Explanation: The essay highlights that RSR is crucial to ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted power supply in India due to the expected increase in coal production.
  3. What is the main objective of India’s Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) initiative for coal transportation?
    A. To increase coal production
    B. To promote congestion on existing rail routes
    C. To ensure a seamless and uninterrupted power supply
    D. To reduce coastal shipping
    Correct Answer: C. To ensure a seamless and uninterrupted power supply
    Explanation: The primary objective of the RSR initiative, as mentioned in the essay, is to ensure a seamless and uninterrupted power supply, especially with the anticipated increase in coal production.

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