Twenty coal mines are likely to become operational by the end of this year, and the move will help to meet the increasing power demand, and reduce coal imports. The peak power demand in India is likely to cross 400 GW by 2030.

These 20 coal blocks will include seven from Coal India and three from Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL). They will contribute another 100 million tonne (MT) in three to four years. SCCL is jointly owned by the Telangana government and the Centre on a 51:49 equity basis. Coal India accounts for over 80 percent of domestic coal output. 

India’s total coal and lignite output was 937 MT in FY23. In FY24, about 22.20 MT of coal was imported for blending, against 30.80 MT in 2022-23. In November last year, Coal and Mines Minister, Pralhad Joshi had stated that India is not very far from its next target to eliminate coal imports by 2025-26.