Coal Ministry Shatters Records with 500 Million Tonne Coal Dispatch in First Half of Fiscal Year
In a remarkable feat of achievement, the Coal Ministry has set a new milestone by dispatching an impressive 500 million tonnes (MT) of coal during the first half of the current fiscal year. This accomplishment, achieved by October 17, 2023, is nothing short of extraordinary, especially given the logistical challenges posed by the monsoon season.
The Coal Ministry, aiming to produce and dispatch a total of 1,012 MT of coal to consumers during the financial year 2023-24, has exceeded expectations with this early achievement. Notably, the dispatch of 500 MT in just 200 days represents a significant leap forward.
Traditionally, the second half of the year witnesses a higher rate of production and dispatch, which suggests that this year’s coal dispatch might cross the one billion-tonne mark. In the previous fiscal year, the 500 MT coal dispatch milestone was reached on November 9, 2022. In contrast, this year’s accomplishment was secured a remarkable 23 days earlier.
Of the 500 MT dispatched, 416.57 MT has been allocated to the power sector, with the remaining 84.77 MT going to the non-regulatory sector. This achievement underscores a 7.27% year-on-year growth in coal transportation to the power sector and an impressive 38.02% year-on-year growth in the non-regulated sector. By the end of the last fiscal year, on March 31, 2023, a total of 893.19 million tonnes of coal had been dispatched.
It is noteworthy that this historic achievement is the result of the combined efforts of entities like Coal India Ltd (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL), and various Captive/Commercial mines, all of which have played pivotal roles in the Coal Ministry’s success.
The Coal Ministry’s performance signifies a significant step towards meeting the nation’s coal demands and contributing to its energy requirements, highlighting the sector’s commitment to growth and sustainability.