New Delhi / Singrauli / Bilaspur: Coal India Limited (CIL), the world’s largest coal-producing company and a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Coal, reaffirmed its commitment to operational modernization and transformational leadership through two landmark events held simultaneously at its major subsidiaries — South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL).
While Mr. Achyut Ghatak, Director (Technical), CIL, undertook a strategic visit to the Kusmunda Area of SECL in Chhattisgarh to assess and strengthen operational performance, Mr. Ravi Venkatesan, former Chairman of Microsoft India, delivered a visionary address on “Unlocking Viksit Bharat: Crafting a Developed Nation” at NCL’s headquarters in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh.
Technical Review and Field Leadership at SECL’s Kusmunda Project
During his visit to SECL’s high-capacity Kusmunda open-cast mine, Mr. Achyut Ghatak conducted an in-depth review of both short-term and long-term operational strategies. He visited critical production sites such as the Godavari and Neelkanth patches, interacted with mine managers, and offered practical insights to enhance resource utilization, equipment efficiency, and overall planning.
Mr. Ghatak emphasized the importance of embracing digital monitoring systems, automation, and the effective deployment of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMMs) to reduce downtime and improve cycle time. In a joint review session with senior officials from SECL and CIL, he also discussed expansion plans under the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) initiative.
“Kusmunda is not just a production hub, it is a benchmark of operational scale and strategic planning. Our aim is to ensure world-class efficiency while meeting growing national energy demands,” he stated.
The Kusmunda mine, having surpassed 50 million tonnes in FY 2023–24, ranks among the world’s top five coal mines by output, reinforcing SECL’s status as CIL’s top-producing subsidiary.
Visionary Leadership and Knowledge Sharing at NCL’s Golden Jubilee Celebration
At the same time, CIL’s subsidiary Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) celebrated its Golden Jubilee with an inspirational keynote address by Mr. Ravi Venkatesan, a renowned global business leader and social innovator. His session, themed “Unlocking Viksit Bharat”, focused on how organizations and individuals must transform in a world reshaped by climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), and misinformation.
In a powerful message, Mr. Venkatesan urged CIL professionals to embrace lifelong learning, adaptability, and a sense of purpose-driven leadership.
“Leadership isn’t about positions or titles. It’s about how we respond to challenges,” he said.
He introduced the concept of a “portfolio life”, encouraging a balance between professional achievement and personal fulfillment through continuous learning, service, and innovation.
The session, presided over by Mr. B. Sairam, CMD of NCL, saw active participation from NCL executives and virtual attendance by teams across all CIL subsidiaries. Mr. Sairam praised the address, noting that it aligned perfectly with NCL’s vision of being a future-ready, sustainable, and innovation-led enterprise.
A Unified Vision: Transformation at Every Level
Together, these two events reflect CIL’s integrated approach toward:
- Operational excellence through real-time field engagement
- Leadership development through exposure to global thought leaders
- Sustainable practices, digital transformation, and people empowerment
About Coal India Limited (CIL)
Coal India Limited is a Maharatna PSU and the world’s largest coal producer. It plays a pivotal role in powering India’s energy needs, with 7 subsidiary companies and over 600,000 employees committed to excellence, innovation, and sustainability.
About SECL & NCL
- SECL (South Eastern Coalfields Limited): Headquartered in Bilaspur, SECL is the highest coal-producing subsidiary of CIL, operating mega projects like Kusmunda, Gevra, and Dipka.
- NCL (Northern Coalfields Limited): Based in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, NCL serves as a key contributor to national coal output with strong focus on environmental responsibility and community welfare.
