In a significant achievement for India’s energy sector, the country’s coal production has crossed the milestone of 1 billion tonnes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this accomplishment on Friday, describing it as a “proud moment” and a “historic milestone” for the nation.
This landmark achievement aligns with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and is expected to strengthen India’s energy security while reducing its reliance on coal imports. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying, “A proud moment for India! Crossing the monumental milestone of 1 billion tonnes of coal production is a remarkable achievement, highlighting our commitment to energy security, economic growth, and self-reliance.”
Union Minister Commends Sustainable Mining Efforts
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, also celebrated the achievement, posting on X, “India has crossed a monumental 1 BILLION TONNES of coal production! With cutting-edge technologies and efficient methods, we’ve not only increased production but also ensured sustainable and responsible mining.”
Reddy emphasized that this increased coal production will help meet the country’s growing power demands, drive economic development, and secure a brighter future for India under PM Modi’s leadership.
Responding to Reddy’s post, PM Modi acknowledged the contribution of those working in the coal industry, noting that the milestone reflects their dedication and hard work.
Future Coal Supply Target Set at 906 Million Tonnes
Earlier this week, the Central Government announced a target to supply 906.1 million tonnes (MT) of coal to the power sector for the financial year 2025-26. This plan was presented in Parliament after the Ministry of Power raised the coal requirements for the next fiscal year.
The Ministry of Coal assured that the country currently has an adequate supply of coal. According to data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), coal-based power plants had a stock of 53.49 MT as of March 10, 2025. This stock level is 20.2% higher than the 44.51 MT recorded on the same date last year, reflecting improved coal availability and production efficiency.
Strengthening Energy Security and Economic Growth
The record coal production milestone is expected to enhance India’s energy security, helping to meet the country’s growing electricity demands while reducing the dependence on imported coal. It also reinforces India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in energy resources and supporting the overall economic growth trajectory.
With increased efficiency, sustainable mining practices, and strategic targets, India aims to further strengthen its position as a global leader in coal production and energy resilience.
