Nagpur: In a significant development for the mining industry in the mineral-rich yet Naxal-affected and industrially backward Gadchiroli district, the Maharashtra Government has granted approval for the establishment of a Dedicated Mineral Transport Corridor. The 84.638 km long road, designated as the mineral transport corridor, is set to play a pivotal role in boosting mining activities in the region.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has been tasked with overseeing the development of this crucial corridor, marking a strategic move by the government to facilitate smoother transportation of minerals in the area. This decision aligns with the broader efforts in recent years to accelerate the development of the mining industry in Gadchiroli district, signalling positive momentum for the region’s economic growth.
Notably, M/s Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd (LMEL) got clearance from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to operate in November 2021. In December 2021, a supplementary lease deed for extension of lease period for the Surjagarh Iron Ore Mine was granted to LMEL. In 2020, Thriveni Earthmovers Pvt Ltd (TEPL) and LMEL incorporated a joint venture company Thriveni Lloyds Mining. TEPL started operations as a mine developer and operator (MDO), and the extraction of iron ore started from Surjagarh mines. Already, LMEL has completed much of the work on an integrated steel project at Konsari. However, the roads from Surjagarh mines to Konsari are not in very good shape.
There was a phase when the ore-laden trucks passing through villages resulted in some accidents. Taking into consideration the concerns over this, the State Government was mulling over a proposal for a dedicated mineral transport corridor.
Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli district, had announced in October 2022 that the said corridor would be created for transport of iron ore extracted from mines, to tackle traffic congestion, and to reduce accidents due to transport activity involving trucks. He had asked the administration to prepare a proposal regarding the mine corridor.
Accordingly, MSRDC conducted site visits and study of various options abiding by the evaluation matrix of the Indian Road Congress. After scrutiny, MSRDC submitted the final plan to the Public Works Department (PWD). The plan entailed Navegaon Mor to Surjagarh mines road, 84.638 kms long, to be developed as Dedicated Mineral Transport Road. On February 7, the State Government granted its nod to this plan and asked MSRDC to take up the task of developing the said corridor as ‘express highway’.
The proposed corridor will cover Navegaon Mor, Konsari, Mulchera, Hedri, and Surjagarh mines sites. The Government has also highlighted the need for works on Muttapur-Wadlapeth-Velgur-Tola-Yelchil other district road.
As per the Government officials, the development of the mineral transport corridor and other district road stretch will cater to the transport of mineral extracted from Surjagarh mines to Konsari integrated steel plant. The Government expects the said steel plant to generate 15,000 employment opportunities, leading to socio-economic development of the area. Besides, the road development will ensure faster extension of the healthcare facilities to the tribal villages in the area.
Further, the Government expects the transport corridor to cater to the need arising due to extension of the Konsari steel plant expansion to be completed in a phased manner in the next one/two years. The larger plan, it appears, is to connect this transport corridor to the Gadchiroli end of the extension of Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, and also to Durg-Hyderabad entry-controlled super communication expressway proposed by the Central Government.
