Economic Survey 2015: Coal output up by 9.1 per cent at 426.7 million tonne

NEW DELHI: India’s coal production grew 9.1% to 426.7 million tonne in the nine months to December on the back of improved output by Coal India and rise in captive mining, according to the Economic Survey for 2014-15.

“With appropriate policy changes, coal sector has broken shackles and grew by 9.1% during April-December 2014,” the survey said.

The government has set the coal production target for 2014-15 at 630.25 mt. Coal output until January stood at 485.38 mt, the survey said.

Coal production had grown 1.5% during April-December 2013.

The survey said significant rise in the domestic output of coal was critical when India is gearing up for economic revival.

“The focus is, therefore, on addressing quantity, quality and time-bound transportation issues, so that the fuel needs of a growing economy are met,” it said.

The government also said it had assigned high priority to the early completion of critical railway projects for movement of coal.

Speaking of imports, the survey pointed out at higher demand as the reason for rising imports despite growth in production.

“Though the production of coal has been increasing over the years, total imports including both coking and non-coking coal have also increased due to higher demand mainly from fuel starved power stations,” it said.

According to the data, coal imports till November were 137.6 million tonne of which 110.0 million was thermal coal while rest was coking coal. India imported 168.44 million tonne in 2013-14.