NEW DELHI. Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the reform initiatives and operational performance of Coal India Limited (CIL), with a focus on enhancing production, productivity and efficiency across the coal sector. Discussions centered on increasing coal supplies, improving coal quality, expediting First Mile Connectivity projects, expanding and optimally utilizing coal washing capacities, promoting coal gasification projects, accelerating technological innovations, and implementing cost optimization and expenditure control measures. Senior officials from the Ministry of Coal and Coal India Limited, including Chairman B. Sairam and functional directors of the company, attended the meeting.
In a parallel effort to strengthen energy security and reduce import dependence, the government is promoting coal gasification as a key component of India’s self-reliance strategy. The initiative aims to produce syngas domestically for use in sectors such as fertilizers, steel and energy, thereby reducing reliance on imported petroleum products and saving foreign exchange. To boost investment in the sector, the Centre has announced incentives worth Rs 46,000 crore, while states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha have introduced supportive policies. The Fertilizer Ministry is also working on a policy framework to encourage urea production through coal gasification technology. The government has further assured that adequate coal reserves are available, with an estimated 81-day stock for the power sector, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply to thermal power plants.
