Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has urged its employees to accelerate production in the final quarter of the current financial year to narrow the gap between targets and actual output, citing shortfalls in cumulative production up to December.

In a message to employees ahead of the 77th Republic Day, ECL Chairman and Managing Director Satish Jha said cumulative coal production up to December 2025 stood at 33.482 million tonnes, compared with a proportionate target of 38.752 million tonnes. He emphasised the need for intensified efforts in the remaining months of the financial year to achieve annual production goals.

Despite the shortfall, ECL said it remained on a strong operational footing, supported by robust overburden removal of 133.013 million cubic metres during the period. The company highlighted this as a key strength that could enable higher coal output in the coming months.

Cumulative coal offtake during the April–December period reached 33.666 million tonnes, helping ensure continuity of supply and stable revenue flows. The company called for coordinated efforts from employees, officers and executives, noting that collective commitment and sustained hard work would be critical in meeting annual targets and strengthening ECL’s contribution to India’s energy security.

ECL added that its focus in the current financial year has been on sustaining performance through stronger systems and operational reliability across production, evacuation, safety, governance and infrastructure, rather than pursuing isolated achievements.