Coal output clocks highest growth in over two decades

NEW DELHI, Feb 29: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said the country has witnessed highest coal production growth in over two decades and largest-ever generation capacity addition.
“… Our government has achieved the highest coal production growth in over two decades, highest-ever capacity addition in generation, highest ever increase in transmission lines and in distribution of LED bulbs,” Jaitley said in his Budget speech for 2016-17 here.
He underlined the need for diversifying sources of power generation for long-term stability.
The government is drawing up a comprehensive plan, spanning next 15-20 years, to boost investment in nuclear power generation.
The measures to augment output of the dry fuel have led to a record 9.8 per cent growth in CIL’s coal production, resulting in reduction in imports of the fossil fuel.
Coal India (CIL) accounts for over 80 per cent of the domestic coal production.
As much as 83 per cent of the capacity addition target of 88,537 mw for 12th Plan period has already been achieved. (PTI)