The development reflects the ministry’s strategic efforts to increase domestic coal availability and meet growing energy needs, the ministry said in a release. Achieving energy security and supporting the vision of Atmanir Bhar Bharat (Self-reliant India).
Similarly, coal shipments also hit a record high in 2024, with 1,012.72 MT (provisional) shipped across the country, surpassing the 950.39 MT recorded in 2023 by an impressive 6.56 percent.
“This continued growth in both production and delivery indicates the sector’s commitment to ensure timely availability of coal for power generation and other industries, further strengthening national energy security,” the release added. ”
The ministry’s continued focus on improving coal production and infrastructure development is in line with its goal of reducing dependence on coal imports, strengthening the country’s self-sufficiency and contributing to long-term sustainable development.
Under the Integrated Coal Logistics Plan, the government has set a target of 1.5BT of coal production by FY 2030, the ministry said in December 2024. Under the “Mission Coking Coal” initiative, the Ministry of Coal is targeting domestic raw coking coal production of 140 MT. By 2030. Production for FY 2023-24 stood at 66,821. MT, with a target of 77 MT for FY 2024-25.
Key initiatives include- modernization of aging washeries under Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), monetization of old washeries to enhance operational efficiency and privatization of 14 coking coal blocks to private companies. To be auctioned, production is expected to begin by 2028-29.
The ministry has implemented several reforms to streamline operations and promote transparency. In 2024, 17.84 MT of coal was booked in the 7th tranche of NRS e-auction. Four installments under the Shakti B (VIII-A) policy facilitated the auction of 23.98 MT of coal. A revised pricing mechanism for coal gasification projects was introduced, whereby the ROM price for regulated sectors will now be applicable for gasification projects commissioned within seven years.