New Delhi: Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with expansion in coal production, modern mining capacity, mechanised operations, railway connectivity, technology adoption, renewable energy and community development.
CCL’s transformation is part of the broader changes in India’s coal sector since 2014, driven by policy reforms, faster project development, infrastructure expansion and greater focus on efficiency and energy security.
The company’s coal production increased from 50.0 million tonnes (MT) in FY 2013-14 to 87.5 MT in FY 2024-25, its highest-ever annual production. This represents an increase of nearly 75% over the period.
CCL Coal Production Rises Nearly 75% Since FY 2013-14
The sharp increase in production has been supported by the development of new mines and expansion of existing mining operations.
Major mining projects developed during this period include:
- Amrapali: 35 MTY
- Magadh: 51 MTY
- Chandragupta OCP: 15 MTY
- Kotre Basantpur Pachmo: 5 MTY
CCL has also expanded the capacity of existing mines, including Karo, Konar and North Urimari.
Several new mines and expansion projects are in the pipeline and are expected to further increase the company’s production capacity in the coming years.
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Railway Connectivity and Coal Evacuation Get Major Push
With higher production comes the need for efficient coal evacuation. CCL has therefore invested significantly in railway connectivity and modern coal-handling infrastructure.
The Tori-Shivpur rail corridor, a critical link for the North Karanpura coalfields, has been progressively strengthened. The three-line railway corridor has the capacity to transport around 100 MT of coal annually.
CCL is also developing Coal Handling Plants (CHPs), silos, rapid loading systems and First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects to improve the efficiency of coal transportation.
The 7.5 MTY North Urimari CHP has already been commissioned.
Major CHP projects under development include:
- Konar: 5 MTY
- KDH-Purnadih: 7.5 MTY
- Amrapali: 25 MTY
- Karo: 7 MTY
- Magadh: 51 MTY
These facilities are aimed at reducing dependence on road transportation, improving loading efficiency and facilitating direct evacuation of coal through rail networks.
CCL Expands Domestic Coking Coal Availability
Coking coal remains strategically important for India’s steel industry, which continues to rely significantly on imports.
To support import substitution and increase the availability of domestic washed coking coal, CCL is developing five new coking coal washeries with a combined capacity of 14.50 MTY.
The projects are intended to improve the availability of quality domestic coking coal and contribute to reducing India’s dependence on imported supplies.
AI-Enabled Command Centre Strengthens Mining Operations
Technology adoption is another important part of CCL’s transformation.
The company has established an AI-enabled Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) to strengthen security, surveillance and operational monitoring across its command areas.
The centre integrates modern technologies to enable real-time monitoring and support faster and more effective decision-making across mining operations.
The adoption of AI-based systems reflects CCL’s efforts to move towards more technology-enabled and data-driven mining operations.
CCL Expands Renewable Energy Capacity
CCL is also increasing its focus on renewable energy and energy conservation as part of its broader sustainability efforts.
The company currently has more than 32 MW of installed solar capacity, including three ground-mounted solar projects with a combined capacity of 29 MW.
A major 100 MW solar power project is also being developed in Giridih district, along with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
These projects are expected to increase the contribution of renewable energy to CCL’s energy mix, reduce emissions and support the company’s broader Net Zero objectives.
Blast-Free Mining and Environmental Management
CCL has adopted modern and environment-friendly mining technologies to improve operational efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of mining.
The company has introduced blast-free technologies, including:
- Surface miners
- Continuous miners
- Scientific restoration of overburden dumps
- Rainwater harvesting
- Plantation
- Mine reclamation
Before 2014, there was zero production through surface miners and continuous miners. Their combined share has now increased to nearly 70%.
CCL is also using surplus mine water for the benefit of local communities, helping convert a mining-related resource into an asset for community development.
CCL Financial Performance Strengthens
The operational transformation has been accompanied by a significant improvement in CCL’s financial position.
The company’s Profit After Tax (PAT) increased from ₹808 crore in FY 2017-18 to ₹4,035 crore in FY 2024-25.
During the same period, CCL’s net worth increased from ₹3,816 crore to ₹16,464 crore.
The improvement in profitability and net worth reflects the strengthening of CCL’s financial position alongside its expansion in production and infrastructure.
CSR Spending Reaches ₹86 Crore in FY 2025-26
CCL’s transformation also includes a growing focus on community development.
The company’s CSR activities have expanded from basic interventions such as infrastructure, drinking water, healthcare and education to larger and longer-term programmes focused on creating sustainable social assets and opportunities.
In FY 2025-26, CCL reported CSR expenditure of approximately ₹86 crore, against a CSR target of around ₹74 crore.
CCL Ke Lal & CCL Ki Laadli Supports Students
One of CCL’s flagship CSR initiatives is CCL Ke Lal & CCL Ki Laadli, which provides talented students from underprivileged backgrounds with free residential schooling and engineering entrance coaching.
Under the programme:
- 40 students are selected every year.
- The group includes 20 boys and 20 girls.
- Students receive residential education and coaching support.
- The programme focuses on students from rural and mining-affected communities.
The initiative has helped beneficiaries pursue higher education at premier institutions, including IITs, NITs and other leading engineering institutes.
Khelgaon Sports Academy Promotes Young Talent
The Sports Academy at Khelgaon, Ranchi, established through a partnership between CCL and the Government of Jharkhand, is another major CSR initiative.
The academy uses infrastructure developed for the 34th National Games and is operated through the Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society.
It provides young athletes with structured opportunities in sports along with education and life-skills support.
Athletes from the academy have won medals at national and international levels. The initiative has also received the National CSR Award twice, according to the company.
CCL’s Transformation Goes Beyond Coal Production
CCL’s journey since 2014 extends beyond the increase in annual coal production.
The company has simultaneously expanded mining capacity, modernised coal evacuation, strengthened railway connectivity, adopted mechanised and blast-free mining technologies, increased renewable energy capacity and invested in environmental restoration.
Its financial performance and community development initiatives have also expanded, creating a broader role for the company in the regions where it operates.
The increase in coal production from 50 MT in FY 2013-14 to 87.5 MT in FY 2024-25 represents one of the most visible outcomes of this transformation, while investments in infrastructure, technology, sustainability and communities form the wider foundation of CCL’s development.
About Central Coalfields Limited (CCL)
Central Coalfields Limited is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited engaged in coal mining and allied operations in India. Headquartered in Ranchi, CCL focuses on sustainable mining practices, operational excellence, and adherence to governance standards, contributing significantly to India’s energy sector.
