Mobility Within Mines: Harmonization of Safety requirements for Underground Mining Trucks in India.

The need for energy is ever increasing, though the dependency on renewable energy have increased, it is not sufficient to cater the demand. India is one of fastest developing country which depends on coal 55% for its total energy need. To achieve coal digging & transportation an underground mining vehicle has gained high importance. Underground mine environment is inherently dangerous due to various factors, including explosive and toxic gases, dust, and the potential for collapses. Thereby vehicles running in coal mines requires extreme safety features to safeguard its operator & coal mine workers. In India Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) directing standards & safety provisions for Diesel equipment's working under ground mines. This Paper is providing complete guideline for required safety features for the latest available technology in underground mining trucks. This paper will take you through various standards available globally to insure safety of the operator. Further the Paper will provide complete solution for specific modifications in standard procedure to fit with Indian scenario. Presently in India, Underground Mining trucks are not covered under Central Motor vehicle rules as the mining truck application is way different than the commercial trucks those ply on road. The paper closes with a concrete solution on the need for regulatory compliance to ensure mining trucks safety through global practices and technology assessment. This paper will also guide for designers and engineers to consider regulatory changes that influence mining truck application. This paper can be a guideline for mining industry & regulatory bodies in India for keeping regulatory compliance requirements before deploying vehicles for underground mining activity.