Coal output nears demand, exports may follow: Reddy

Coal minister G Kishan Reddy said on Tuesday India is approaching a stage where domestic fuel availability is increasingly meeting national demand, placing the country on the threshold of selectively exploring coal exports while safeguarding domestic requirements.

The transition is because of India's production capacity, quality improvements and supply-chain resilience, Reddy said during the two-day Chintan Shivir of the coal ministry to review the progress of the sector.

Reddy emphasised reforms in the coal sector should be in uniformity and standardisation, ensuring consistent practices, clear benchmarks and predictable outcomes across all public sector undertakings.


He called for the charting of a focused, time-bound plan to maximise equipment utilisation, improve asset productivity, and reduce operational inefficiencies.

The minister stressed the need for rigorous safety norms, strengthened supervision and accountability, with the objective of achieving zero accidents at mines.