Coal India Limited (CIL) has announced a substantial 8 percent increase in coal production for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024-25, reaching 189.3 million tonnes (MTs) by the end of June. This marks a significant rise of 13.8 MTs compared to the corresponding period last fiscal, surpassing the government-set target of 189.2 MTs.
In a statement, CIL highlighted that all seven of its producing subsidiaries achieved positive growth, with five surpassing their individual production targets. June alone saw a production spike to 63 MT, reflecting a 9 percent increase from June 2024.
Total coal supplies by CIL during April-June 2024 reached 198.4 MTs, a 6 percent year-on-year growth compared to 187 MTs in the same period last year. Notably, coal supplies to thermal power plants increased by 4 percent to 160 MT, supporting the rising power demand in the country. Non-power sector supplies also surged to 38.4 MTs, marking a remarkable 16 percent growth from the previous year’s Q1 figures.
The average daily loading to the power sector improved to 325.7 rakes per day, a 6 percent increase year-on-year, underscoring enhanced logistical efficiency. Overall coal loading averaged 367.2 rakes per day, up by 10.3 percent compared to the previous year, ensuring ample stockpiles with 81.5 MTs at CIL’s pitheads by the end of Q1 FY2024-25, a robust 40 percent increase from the corresponding period last year.
These developments position CIL strongly to meet heightened coal demand and underline its pivotal role in bolstering India’s energy infrastructure amidst escalating power needs.