Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), has introduced Virtual Reality (VR)-based skill development programmer for providing safety and operational training to its 17,000 workforce by the year 2026. The Coal India subsidiary has earmarked a budget of Rs 6.5 crore for skill enhancement among coal miners . Emphasizing on the skilled workforce as a key to safe and productive mining operations, Shri Om Prakash Singh, CMD, MCL stated that regular training and upgradation of skills is required by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to match the advancements and introduction of new technology in the mining sector . the introduction of VR-based training for around 17,000 departmental as well as contract employees will serve as a major initiative for 18 training modules leveraging this modern technology.