India’s coal production surged by 18.51% in February compared to the same period last year, reaching 20.49 million tonnes from captive and commercial mines. Dispatches also rose to 17.72 million tonnes during this time, as per an official statement released on Monday.
The cumulative coal production from these mines for the financial year 2025–26 until February showed an 11.58% year-on-year increase. Additionally, cumulative dispatches saw a 6.78% rise compared to the previous year’s corresponding period.
The growth in production and dispatches indicates enhanced operational efficiency, increased capacity, and better coordination in the mining sector. The Ministry credited strategic policy measures, rigorous monitoring, and continuous stakeholder support for the sector’s improved performance.
Efforts going forward will concentrate on maintaining stable production levels, reducing supply disruptions, and reinforcing the coal sector’s crucial role in meeting the nation’s growing energy demands.
As part of coal sector reforms, the government transitioned from a restrictive model to auctioning coal mining blocks through a competitive process, allowing commercial sale of coal. The auction-based system, initiated in 2014 for private sector participation in captive usage, was expanded to include commercial coal mining by private entities in 2020.
