By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 18, 2019: Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) will more than double production to 300 million tonne by 2026 with long-term planning and inclusion of new technology.

“We are into a long-term planning to ensure that mining operations remain smooth to register consistent growth. By 2025-26, the company is expected to achieve the 300 million tone target,” Chairman-cum-Managing Director Bhola Nath Shukla said here on Sunday addressing a press conference.

Talcher coalfields alone will produce 200 million ton out of the 300 mtpa coal production target set by MCL by 2025-26, Shukla told reporters.

MCL, a subsidiary of mining major Coal India Ltd, produced around 144 million ton during 2018-19 and has set a target of 160 million ton this fiscal.

Asserting that the company has taken major initiatives to enhance coal evacuation through infrastructure development like coal corridor and SILOs, the CMD said the focus would be on speedy capacity enhancement of the rail infrastructure.

This will also help private players develop their coal blocks and contribute towards meeting the growing energy demand of the country, he said.