New Delhi: A recent government review has revealed that 12 mining projects under South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) — a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) — are running behind schedule, raising concerns over production targets and supply commitments to the power sector.
According to the Ministry of Coal’s latest status report, SECL’s delayed projects include both open-cast and underground mines across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, two of India’s key coal-producing regions. The delays have been attributed to land acquisition hurdles, environmental clearance issues, and rehabilitation challenges affecting local populations.
Officials said that while SECL remains one of CIL’s top-performing subsidiaries in terms of overall output, project slippages could impact Coal India’s broader goal of achieving one billion tonnes of annual production by 2026.
“Some of these projects have been delayed due to unavoidable local and regulatory factors, but efforts are being made to expedite approvals and resume full-scale operations,” said a senior SECL official.
Among the delayed projects are Dipka Expansion, Gevra OCP, Kusmunda Phase-II, and Bijari Expansion, all of which are critical for meeting rising coal demand from power and steel industries. Together, these projects were expected to contribute more than 70 million tonnes per year once fully operational.
Industry analysts warn that persistent delays could create supply imbalances, especially as India heads into the winter season when electricity demand typically rises. “Coal India’s supply consistency is crucial for energy security. Any project-level delay at SECL directly affects national output,” said energy analyst Vivek Agrawal.
The government has directed SECL to fast-track the completion of these projects through joint monitoring mechanisms involving state authorities and the Ministry of Environment.
Despite the setbacks, SECL officials expressed optimism, noting that production from operational mines has increased by nearly 9% year-on-year, partially offsetting delays in expansion projects.
Coal India remains the world’s largest coal producer, accounting for over 80% of India’s domestic supply, and plays a key role in ensuring energy stability amid the ongoing global push for cleaner energy sources.