To achieve self-sufficiency in production of coal and reduce the dependence on imports, the coal ministry has drawn up a strategic plan to slash imports of the fuel from over 20% now to 11% by the end of FY26, coal secretary Amrit Lal Meena told FE.
The plan will entail a big boost to Coal India’s output, as also acceleration of mining activities by captive coal mines that now have the freedom to sell surplus production in open market.
“This year, our endeavor is to reduce coal imports to 19% by March 2024, and then by FY25-end, to 16%. By March 2026, the imports will have come down to 11%,” the official said.
