SECL's Gevra mine to become Asia's largest coal producer

The South Eastern Coalfields Ltd's (SECL) Gevra coal mine in Chhattisgarh is set to become the largest coal-producing mine in Asia, according to Coal Secretary Amrit Lal Meena. The government is ramping up the annual production of the Gevra mine to reach 70 million tonnes (MT), surpassing other mines in the region. Recently, the Gevra project achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first mine in the country to produce 50 MT of coal. During his visit to Chhattisgarh, Secretary Meena expressed that the ongoing expansion of the Gevra mine aims to achieve a production capacity of 70 MT, making it a major contributor to the coal industry in Asia. However, no specific timeline was provided for this expansion. A coal ministry statement quoted Meena stating, It (Gevra mine) is currently being expanded to achieve 70 MT of production, which would make it the largest coal-producing mine in Asia. As part of his visit, Secretary Meena also reviewed the progress of the rail projects undertaken by the Chhattisgarh East Railway Limited (CERL) and the Chhattisgarh East West Railway Limited (CEWRL). Additionally, he inaugurated the 'Chhal' rail siding in SECL's Raigarh area and assessed the advancements of the rail corridors being developed in the state under the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model. The development of coal transportation infrastructure across the country is a crucial aspect of the PM Gati Shakti national master plan. The establishment of the new rail corridor, including the expansion of the Gevra mine, is expected to play a significant role in enhancing coal production and meeting the nation's energy needs.