By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| Coal India Limited Chairman B. Sairam has set an ambitious and forward-looking agenda for 2026, declaring it the “Year of Reform and Transformation” for the coal major. Addressing a high-level meeting of Functional Directors, the Chief Vigilance Officer and senior executives at the company’s Corporate Headquarters in Kolkata, the Chairman underlined the urgency of aligning Coal India with the evolving demands of energy security, sustainability and technology-led operations.

Recalling Coal India’s remarkable journey, Sairam reflected on the organisation’s growth from a modest production of 79 million tonnes in 1975 to an impressive 781 million tonnes in 2025. While acknowledging the collective efforts and institutional strength that enabled this tenfold expansion, he stressed that past achievements must now translate into future-ready reforms.

The Chairman called for accelerated implementation of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, describing them as critical to improving efficiency, reducing dependence on road-based coal transportation, and minimising environmental impact. He emphasised that enhanced mechanised evacuation and rail-based logistics would not only cut costs but also significantly lower carbon footprints in coal movement.

Reiterating Coal India’s commitment to responsible mining, Sairam urged a sharper focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. He highlighted the need for sustainable practices, community engagement and transparency as central pillars of the company’s long-term strategy.

Significantly, the Chairman reaffirmed the vision of Coal India evolving into a technology-driven enterprise. Greater adoption of digital tools, data-driven decision-making and modern mining technologies, he said, would be key to boosting productivity, safety and competitiveness.

With 2026 positioned as a decisive year, Sairam’s roadmap signals a clear shift—from scale alone to sustainability, efficiency and innovation—marking a transformative phase in Coal India Limited’s journey as the backbone of India’s energy ecosystem.