New Delhi, March 21: India has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 1 billion tonne (BT) coal production for the second consecutive year, according to the Ministry of Coal.
The landmark, reached on March 20, reflects sustained efforts across the coal value chain and highlights the country’s growing self-reliance in energy production. The achievement has supported rising power demand while enabling thermal power plants to maintain high coal stock levels.
The ministry attributed the performance to robust planning, efficient execution, and strong coordination among stakeholders, contributing to overall economic growth and energy stability.
Supporting this trend, data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed that the index of eight core infrastructure industries grew by 2.3 per cent year-on-year in February, with coal output also rising 2.3 per cent and electricity generation increasing 0.5 per cent.
Amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia, India’s thermal power plants currently hold around 53.41 million tonnes of coal, sufficient for nearly 23 days of consumption. Additional stocks are being built at mine pitheads as a precautionary measure against potential disruptions in global fuel supplies.
Coal India Limited continues to ensure steady coal supply to all consumer segments, including small and medium industries, through proactive production and distribution strategies.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a stable, transparent, and performance-driven coal ecosystem through policy support, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement to ensure uninterrupted energy availability.
