New Delhi: In a significant move to ensure operational transparency and promote technological excellence, Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Coal India Limited, Mr. Brajesh Kumar Tripathi, conducted an on-site review of Northern Coalfields Limited’s (NCL) Bina Project.
During the visit, Mr. Tripathi personally inspected the functioning of the newly commissioned ‘Swarna’ Dragline, a state-of-the-art mining machine introduced as part of Coal India’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. With a remarkable annual capacity of 3 million cubic meters, the Swarna Dragline is equipped with advanced safety and efficiency features aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability in opencast mining operations.
“Jo Jeeta Wohi Coal Indian”: Workers’ Morale Gets a Boost
In an engaging interaction with mine workers, the CVO praised their dedication and work ethic, delivering an energizing message: “Jo Jeeta Wohi Coal Indian.” This remark significantly lifted the morale of on-ground staff, reinforcing Coal India’s culture of appreciation and recognition for its workforce.
The visit was also attended by NCL Director (Technical) Mr. Sunil Prasad Singh, NCL CVO Mr. Himanshu Jain, Regional General Manager (Bina) Mr. R.K. Singh, and other senior officials.
Focus on Infrastructure: 9.5 MT CHP & First Mile Connectivity
Apart from reviewing mining operations, the CVO assessed the progress of the 9.5 million tonne annual capacity Coal Handling Plant (CHP) currently under construction at the Bina Project. He emphasized the importance of completing the project within the designated timeline, considering its strategic role in improving coal loading and dispatch efficiency.
Mr. Tripathi also applauded NCL’s mechanized, eco-friendly initiatives under the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects—key to reducing carbon emissions and streamlining green coal transportation from pit to consumer.
Background & Strategic Importance
The Bina Project is one of the largest opencast mines under Coal India, supplying coal to multiple power stations across North India. The introduction of high-capacity draglines and the FMC initiative mark a significant leap in automation, sustainability, and output scaling. In FY 2022–23, Bina achieved notable growth with a 47% year-on-year increase in coal production and a 33% rise in dispatches, reflecting strong operational momentum.
Governance with Growth
The CVO’s visit signifies a dual focus: enhancing transparency and reinforcing operational best practices. Coal India has faced past challenges around mine safety and coal dispatch integrity, and periodic field-level reviews serve as a critical check to uphold accountability, ethics, and efficiency in public sector undertakings.
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About NCL
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, primarily engaged in coal mining operations in the Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It plays a crucial role in ensuring coal supply to power plants across northern India, contributing significantly to the nation’s energy security.
About Coal India
Coal India Limited (CIL) is a state-owned Indian company that is the world’s largest coal producer. It was established in 1975 and has grown to become a major employer with a workforce of over 270,000. CIL operates through subsidiaries in 84 mining areas across eight Indian states, managing 352 mines.
