Bridging the gap: increasing coal production and sector augmentation
Investments to the tune of more than Rs 10 lakh crore would be required in coal mining and allied sectors like power, steel and cement to achieve the target of 1.5 billion tonnes of coal production by 2019-20, according to a report. India has set an ambitious target of 1.5 billion tonnes (BT) of domestic coal production by FY 2020 and will need huge investments adding up to more than Rs 10 lakh crore in coal mining and its allied sectors like power, steel, cement, infrastructure for logistics, and coal washeries for achieving this goal, the latest PwC-ICC report said. The government would need to take steps to promote smooth land acquisition, easy availability of water, augment infrastructure for logistics, develop coal washeries, capacity building and skill development to provide the support system for developing a cohesive environment for achieving the target, it said. Additionally, focused efforts are required from all stakeholders, especially governments, industry players, investors, funding agencies and infrastructure developers, it added.