In a significant development, India’s coal production has surged to new heights, reaching an impressive 664.37 million tonnes during the fiscal year 2023-24 up to December 25, 2023. According to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Coal, this marks a substantial 12.29% growth compared to the corresponding period last year when production stood at 591.64 million tonnes.
The cumulative achievement in coal dispatch for the same period has also seen a remarkable increase, reaching 692.84 million tonnes, showcasing an 11.32% growth compared to the previous year’s figure of 622.40 million tonnes. This surge in production and dispatch is crucial in meeting the escalating energy demands of the power sector.
A noteworthy aspect of this achievement is the consistent and robust coal supply to the power sector, with an overall dispatch to power plants reaching 577.11 million tonnes. This reflects an impressive 8.39% growth compared to the same period in the previous year when the dispatch was 532.43 million tonnes.
As of December 25, 2023, the overall coal stock position, including mines, thermal power plants, transit, etc., has reached 91.05 million tonnes. This represents a commendable 21.57% growth from the stock position of 74.90 million tonnes on December 25, 2022. The Pithead Coal Stock at Coal India Limited (CIL) stands at 47.29 million tonnes, witnessing a notable growth of 53.02% compared to the stock of 30.88 million tonnes on the same date in the previous year.
Ministry of Coal has assured the nation of ample coal supply to meet the growing energy demand. This success can be attributed to efficient coal supply to Thermal Power Plants (TPPs), resulting in robust coal stock levels at various pitheads. The effectiveness of the coal supply chain is evident, ensuring seamless distribution nationwide.
The higher coal stock position not only reflects the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining an ample coal supply but also underscores effective stock management strategies and operational efficiency. This commitment is crucial in providing consistent coal supply to meet the energy needs of the power sector.
Ministry emphasises continuous and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of all operations, contributing significantly to this impressive growth. With unwavering dedication, the Ministry of Coal ensures reliable and uninterrupted power supply, embracing cutting-edge technological advancements and paving the way for a self-reliant Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The uninterrupted availability of Coal Rakes, vital for coal transportation, ensures a smooth evacuation process, effectively addressing transportation bottlenecks and guaranteeing a seamless coal supply.