Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi stated on Tuesday that India will not encounter any coal shortage this year, including during the monsoon season. Addressing a conference on underground coal mining, Joshi assured the nation that the government is well-prepared to meet the demand and stressed their responsibility in ensuring sufficient supply.
Joshi affirmed, “I assure the country on behalf of Coal India and the coal ministry that there will not be any shortage of coal even in the monsoon this time.” He expressed confidence in the state of preparation and emphasized that meeting the entire demand for coal is their duty this year.
Providing an overview of the current coal stock, Joshi informed that 35 million tonnes (MT) of coal is available at thermal power plants, while 65 MT is stored at pit heads belonging to Coal India and private miners. Additionally, another 10-12 MT is in various stages of transportation.
Regarding the movement of coal, Joshi mentioned that the coal ministry is closely coordinating with the Railways to facilitate the smooth transportation of the dry fuel from pit heads to the required locations. This collaboration aims to ensure an efficient supply chain and timely delivery.
In addition to the announcement, Minister Joshi unveiled Coal India’s ‘UG Vision Plan.’ The plan outlines a roadmap to achieve a production target of 100 million tonnes from Coal India Limited’s (CIL) underground mines by the fiscal year 2028. Currently, Coal India produces approximately 28 MT of coal from underground mines. One of its subsidiaries, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), contributes 11.5 MT from its 45 underground mines, as confirmed by SECL official Sanish Chandra.
Overall, the reassurance of adequate coal supply, even during the monsoon, along with the introduction of the ‘UG Vision Plan,’ aims to strengthen the coal sector and ensure a consistent energy supply for India’s development.
