India’s first 21 CuM capacity electro-hydraulic face shovel has been commissioned at SECL’s Gevra Mega Project in Korba district, Chhattisgarh. SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Harish Duhan inaugurated the state-of-the-art machine today. Gevra is Asia’s largest coal mine.

The advanced shovel is expected to further enhance coal production capacity at Gevra while strengthening modern, safe and high-efficiency mining operations.

SECL Director (Technical, Planning & Projects) Shri Ramesh Chandra Mahapatra was also present on the occasion.

The 21 CuM electro-hydraulic face shovel is equipped with advanced safety and operator-centric features, including a 360-degree camera, Operator Fatigue Monitoring System, air-suspension seat, adjustable joysticks, hydraulic access stairs, gas-based fire suppression system and a FOPS-compliant safety cabin.

The machine has also been integrated with SECL’s Fleet Management System (FMS), enabling real-time monitoring of its performance and operational efficiency. With an annual production capacity of approximately 5.31 million cubic metres, the shovel is expected to further strengthen productivity, safety and operational efficiency at the Gevra Mega Project.

AGM Sanjay Mishra, along with other senior officers and employees of the Gevra Project, was present during the commissioning ceremony.