NLCIL Mines Win Top Honours in 2023–24 Star Ratings

08 Sep 2025 CW Team

The Star Rating scheme, introduced in 2019, evaluates mines across seven key parameters, including operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, safety, technological adoption, rehabilitation, and worker welfare. Since the inception of the framework, NLCIL has ensured 100 per cent participation, setting a benchmark for transparency and consistent performance.

At a ceremony held in Mumbai on 4 September 2025, the awards were presented by Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry. The Minister praised the collective role of both public and private coal companies in advancing the Prime Minister’s vision of energy independence and Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Receiving the awards on behalf of NLCIL were Chairman and Managing Director Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, along with senior executives Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Shri Jasper Rose I S, Shri Cheruku Dayanand, and Shri Vijaykumar V Balke.

Among the top performers:

• Lignite Mine-IA of Neyveli secured a Five-Star Rating, ranking among the top three opencast mines in the country.

• Talabira II & III OCP and Barsingsar Lignite Mine also earned Five-Star Ratings.

• Lignite Mine-I and Lignite Mine-II achieved commendable Four-Star Ratings.

Over the years, NLCIL’s five mines have collectively secured 29 Star Ratings, including 21 Five-Star awards—the highest proportion of top-tier ratings among all mining entities in India. This consistent performance underscores NLCIL’s leadership in safety, innovation, and environmentally conscious operations.

Despite operating a smaller mining base, NLCIL continues to outperform larger coal and lignite peers, consistently securing No. 1 national rankings for its mines. The organisation is also executing a clear strategy to double its mining capacity within the next five years, driven by technology and sustainability.

CMD Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli expressed pride in the achievement, stating:

“These Star Ratings reflect our team’s relentless focus on safety, sustainability, and technology-driven productivity. We remain committed to responsible growth and excellence in every facet of mining.”

NLCIL’s performance not only reinforces its role as a reliable contributor to India’s energy security but also sets benchmarks in competitive, ethical, and sustainable mining.

NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Coal, has once again cemented its position as a leader in sustainable and responsible mining, with all five of its operating mines receiving prestigious Star Ratings for 2023–24 from the Ministry of Coal.The Star Rating scheme, introduced in 2019, evaluates mines across seven key parameters, including operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, safety, technological adoption, rehabilitation, and worker welfare. Since the inception of the framework, NLCIL has ensured 100 per cent participation, setting a benchmark for transparency and consistent performance.At a ceremony held in Mumbai on 4 September 2025, the awards were presented by Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry. The Minister praised the collective role of both public and private coal companies in advancing the Prime Minister’s vision of energy independence and Viksit Bharat by 2047.Receiving the awards on behalf of NLCIL were Chairman and Managing Director Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, along with senior executives Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Shri Jasper Rose I S, Shri Cheruku Dayanand, and Shri Vijaykumar V Balke.Among the top performers:• Lignite Mine-IA of Neyveli secured a Five-Star Rating, ranking among the top three opencast mines in the country.• Talabira II & III OCP and Barsingsar Lignite Mine also earned Five-Star Ratings.• Lignite Mine-I and Lignite Mine-II achieved commendable Four-Star Ratings.Over the years, NLCIL’s five mines have collectively secured 29 Star Ratings, including 21 Five-Star awards—the highest proportion of top-tier ratings among all mining entities in India. This consistent performance underscores NLCIL’s leadership in safety, innovation, and environmentally conscious operations.Despite operating a smaller mining base, NLCIL continues to outperform larger coal and lignite peers, consistently securing No. 1 national rankings for its mines. The organisation is also executing a clear strategy to double its mining capacity within the next five years, driven by technology and sustainability.CMD Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli expressed pride in the achievement, stating:“These Star Ratings reflect our team’s relentless focus on safety, sustainability, and technology-driven productivity. We remain committed to responsible growth and excellence in every facet of mining.”NLCIL’s performance not only reinforces its role as a reliable contributor to India’s energy security but also sets benchmarks in competitive, ethical, and sustainable mining.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..