Piyush Goyal, union minister of state (IC) for power, coal and new & renewable energy said that In order to help Coal India (CIL) to achieve its stupendous coal production target of one billion tonnes by FY 2020, Western Coalfields (WCL) is planning to enhance its coal production by 150%.
Goyal was speaking after unveiling WCL's roadmap for opening 36 mines, projects in 36 months here today.
Lauding WCL for resetting its goal from 60 mt to 100 mt of coal production by 2020, the minister said that enhancing coal production will help in providing electricity to the deprived parts of the country.
The minister congratulated team WCL for acquiring 2500 hectare land and generating 1300 direct employment opportunities to the farmers who have given their land in last one year.
Goyal added that the enhanced production will not only fulfil coal demand of Maharashtra but will also provide relief to the southern areas of the country.
The minister hoped that through the pace with which coal mines are opening, the dream of providing 24x7 affordable powers for all will become reality.