Will Coal Play a Vital Role in Shaping India's 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 12 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Monday that coal will maintain its essential role in advancing India's vision for 'Viksit Bharat by 2047'.
On the social media platform X, PM Modi highlighted an article by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, emphasizing how India’s coal sector has transformed over the last 11 years into a next-generation fuel.
According to the Prime Minister, the Minister points out that coal will continue to support India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, effectively integrating with green technologies.
An official statement released on Monday revealed that the nation has achieved the highest coal production ever in the year 2024-25.
Coal production across India reached 1,047.523 million tonnes in 2024-25, a significant increase from 997.826 MT in 2023-24, marking a growth of approximately 4.98 percent.
Moreover, coal supply surged from 973.01 million tonnes in FY 2023-24 to 1,025.33 MT in FY 2024-25, reflecting a growth of around 5.38 percent.
The country has experienced a remarkable increase in overall coal production, rising from 565.77 million tonnes in FY 2013-14 to 1,047.52 MT in FY 2024-25.
Additionally, during the year 2025 (January-December), the coal output was around 1,042.90 MT (provisional), compared to 1,039.62 MT (provisional) during the same timeframe last year, indicating a growth of about 0.23 percent.
In 2025, the coal supply was recorded at 1,016.14 MT (provisional), slightly up from 1,013.59 MT (provisional) the previous year, with a growth of about 0.25 percent. Throughout this period, there has been a consistent and uninterrupted supply of coal to meet consumer demands, and no reports of shortages have emerged.
Coal remains a cornerstone of energy in India, accounting for over 55 percent of the nation’s primary commercial energy.
In terms of total power generation, coal-fired plants contribute around 72 percent, ensuring that coal remains a crucial element of India's energy security.
Notably, there has been an ample and uninterrupted coal supply to consumers as per their needs during this period, with no indications of coal shortages in the country.