Modernising Coal India

Synopsis

India faces chronic power shortages, highlighted by the 2013 power cut that left millions in darkness. Despite having abundant coal resources in mineral-rich states like West Bengal and Jharkhand, the country struggles to increase coal production quickly enough. The opencast mines, such as the one being expanded, are crucial for meeting the government's ambitious target to double Coal India's output by 2022. Coal India, the world's largest coal miner, has a history of inefficiency and missed targets. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the company aims to invest over $1.9 billion in new mines and rail infrastructure to enhance productivity. Chairman Santosh Bhattacharya emphasizes the need for new technologies and faster project completions to access coal resources more effectively. The government's push for modernization seeks to address the ongoing power shortages and improve the overall energy landscape in India.