Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), the premier CPSE under the Ministry of Coal has introduced drone technology in coal mines by launching a web- based portal VIHANGAM along with a drone and ground control system.

• The portal allows an authorised person to access real time drone video from the mine through a dedicated 40 Mbps internet lease line near the mines.
• There is a control station that flies the drone and the system can be operated through the portal from anywhere.
• This pilot project is at present operational at Bhubaneswari and Lingraj opencast mines of Talcher Coalfields.