India has achieved a historic milestone in coal production by surpassing one billion tonnes for the fiscal year 2024-25 on March 20, 2025. This accomplishment, realized 11 days ahead of the previous fiscal year’s total of 997.83 million tonnes, reflects the nation’s resolute efforts to meet its energy demands and bolster economic growth across industrial and agricultural sectors.
The coal sector’s remarkable performance is credited to the collaborative efforts of Coal Public Sector Undertakings, private entities, and the dedication of nearly half a million mine workers across over 350 coal mines. These workers, exhibiting unwavering commitment in the face of challenges, have played a pivotal role in achieving this record-breaking production.
Coal remains integral to India’s energy landscape, powering approximately 55 percent of its energy mix and generating about 74 percent of the nation’s electricity. This underlines the sector’s vital role in safeguarding energy security and sustaining economic growth.
The government’s strategic interventions, including amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the liberalization of the coal sector through the commercial auctioning of coal blocks, have significantly boosted domestic coal availability. These initiatives have effectively reduced dependency on imports, resulting in foreign exchange savings of around $5.43 billion (₹42,315.7 crore) between April and December 2024, marking an 8.4 percent decline in imports compared to the same period last year.
This milestone aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, emphasizing self-reliance and sustainable development in the energy sector. The Ministry of Coal has consistently driven strategic reforms, integrated advanced mining technologies, and prioritized sustainability to enhance production efficiency and environmental responsibility.
As India progresses towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, this achievement marks a pivotal step in fortifying the nation’s energy infrastructure and economic resilience. It reflects the unwavering commitment to achieving a self-reliant and energy-secure future, ensuring prosperity for generations to come.
