New Delhi [India]: The Indian coal sector achieved unprecedented milestones in 2024, recording its highest-ever production and dispatch figures, according to a statement by the Ministry of Coal.
Record-Breaking Production and Dispatch
- Production: Coal production reached an all-time high of 1,039.59 million tonnes (MT) (provisional), a 7.28% increase from 2023’s 969.07 MT.
- Dispatch: Coal dispatches also set a new record, with 1,012.72 MT (provisional) distributed across the nation, surpassing the previous year’s 950.39 MT by 6.56%.
This consistent growth demonstrates the sector’s strategic efforts to ensure energy security and meet the rising energy demands of the country.
Enhancing Energy Security and Self-Reliance
The Ministry emphasized its focus on optimizing coal production and infrastructure development to reduce reliance on imports. These efforts align with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and long-term sustainable growth.
Key initiatives include:
- Integrated Coal Logistics Plan: Aiming for 1.5 billion tonnes of coal production by FY 2030.
- Mission Coking Coal: Targeting domestic raw coking coal production of 140 MT by 2030. For FY 2023-24, production stood at 66.821 MT, with a goal of 77 MT for FY 2024-25.
Modernization and Infrastructure Development
The Ministry is implementing measures to boost efficiency and output:
- Modernizing ageing washeries under Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).
- Monetizing old washeries to improve operations.
- Auctioning 14 coking coal blocks to private players, expected to start production by 2028-29.
Reforms and Transparency
The coal sector introduced several reforms to enhance transparency and streamline operations:
- The 7th tranche of the NRS e-auction facilitated the booking of 17.84 MT of coal in 2024.
- Four tranches under the SHAKTI B(VIII-A) policy enabled the auction of 23.98 MT of coal.
- A revised pricing mechanism was introduced for coal gasification projects, applying the ROM price for regulated sectors to projects commissioning within seven years.
Future Outlook
The Ministry of Coal’s sustained efforts to increase production and improve logistics reflect its commitment to achieving energy independence. By targeting robust growth in coal production and modernizing infrastructure, the sector is set to play a crucial role in India’s energy transition and economic development.