Coal India’s production to touch 615 million tonnes by 2016-17

Coal production at mines owned by state-run Coal India Ltd (CIL) is expected to reach 615 million tonnes in the five years ending 31 March 2017, the terminal year of the 12th Five Year Plan, from the current 435.84 million tonnes.

CIL's coal production has increased by 74.92 million tonnes (or 20.76 per cent) over the 11th Five Year Plan – rising from 360.92 million tonnes in 2006-07, the terminal year of the 10th Plan, to 435.84 million tonnes in 2011-12, the terminal year of the 11th Plan.

Coal shortage

Demand for coal in the country has grown steadily from 604.33 million tonnes at the end of the 2009-10 financial year to 656.31 million tonnes at the end of FY'11 and further to 696.03 million tonnes at the end of FY'12.

Overall production of coal during the three financial years have been almost static at 532.04 million tonnes in 2009-10, 532.68 million tonnes in 2020-11 and 539.94 million tonnes in 2011-12, leaving a steadily rising supply shortfall of 72.29 million tonnes in 2009-10,123.63 million tonnes in 2010-11 and 156.09 million tonnes in 2011-12.

Stating, this in Rajya Sabha today, minister of state for coal Pratik Prakashbapu Patil said that efforts are being made to enhance coal production through taking up of new projects in PSU coal companies and development of captive blocks allotted to both private and PSU companies.