Coal India will remain dominant player: Pralhad Joshi, Union Coal Minister
Coal IndiaNSE 2.70 % will continue to be India’s biggest coal supplier even after the government’s decision to throw open the sector to private players through an ordinance, Union Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi said. The coal ministry will also back the private sector, which along with Coal India will help bring down coal imports to zero in four to five years, he said.
In an interview with ET, Joshi also said his ministry would request the Railways to invest in infrastructure to transport coal from private mines that are not connected. The minister said he wants a balance between the public and private sectors in coal mining, with Coal India contributing about 60% of India’s expanded output in the years ahead. Edited excerpts:
