Kolkata: India is set to take a decisive step toward energy self-reliance, with Coal India Ltd (CIL) announcing a massive Rs 16,000 crore capital expenditure plan for FY 2026, while the government’s mining strategy also focuses on the critical minerals. The announcement came as Union Coal secretary Vikram Dev Dutt inaugurated the 11th International Mining, Equipment & Minerals Exhibition (IME) in Kolkata .
Officials said the investment will drive mechanisation, innovation and cleaner technologies across the coal sector. “Coal is not merely a commodity but a strategic pillar of India’s economic growth and energy security,” the Coal ministry said, adding that sustainability would remain at the core of its mining roadmap. CIL has also asked all its subsidiaries, except Northern Coalfields, to increase their e-auction supply to 40 per cent of total production in the first quarter of FY26 to enhance transparency and competitiveness.
