Coal India Limited Set to Accelerate Production and Supply as Monsoon Impact Recedes
Distilled Policy Brief
- During the April-August period of the current fiscal year, Coal India Limited (CIL) supplied 322.90 million tonnes (MT) of coal, marking a 6.70% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
- With the reduction of heavy monsoon rains, CIL's daily coal production surged to approximately 1.7 million tonnes and Overburden Removal (OBR) increased to 4.1 million cubic metres by September 4, 2026.
- CIL has offered power plants with Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs) the option to lift coal exceeding their Annual Contracted Quantities via road transport in addition to existing rail routes to boost supplies.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Coal India Limited (CIL) reported a coal supply of 322.90 million tonnes during April-August of the current fiscal year, with total mine stock at 76 million tonnes and an additional 46 million tonnes of ready-to-mine coal.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze the role of uninterrupted coal production and logistical efficiency in ensuring energy security and supporting the industrial growth of India.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
Consider the following statements regarding Coal India Limited (CIL) and its operations based on recent official data: 1. During the April-August period of the current fiscal year, CIL's coal supply registered an increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. 2. CIL has restricted power plants with Fuel Supply Agreements exclusively to rail routes for lifting coal exceeding their Annual Contracted Quantities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- [A] 1 only
- [B] 2 only
- [C] Both 1 and 2
- [D] Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct because during the April-August period of the current fiscal year, CIL supplied 322.90 million tonnes of coal, which is a 6.70% increase compared to the previous year. Statement 2 is incorrect because CIL has offered power plants with Fuel Supply Agreements the option to lift coal exceeding their Annual Contracted Quantities via road transport in addition to existing rail routes to boost supplies.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.