Consultative Committee Reviews Technology Upgradation In Coal Sector

17 Mar 2026 CW Team

The presentations described a shift from traditional mining to smart, safe and digital mining through the use of drones for surveying, three dimensional laser scanning and artificial intelligence and machine learning based predictive analytics. The minister observed that technology upgradation has become a permanent objective and that efforts cover production, safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility. The ministry is pursuing advanced solutions including carbon capture and storage, biomass cofiring and coal gasification as part of broader innovation and integration initiatives.

Coal India Limited (CIL) is undertaking major technology upgrades including three dimensional seismic surveys, drones for exploration, continuous miners and highwall systems to boost efficiency and safety. CIL is improving transport infrastructure with new railway corridors and conveyor systems and driving digital transformation through SAP enterprise resource planning and five G enabled Internet of Things systems. The company is also focusing on clean coal technologies and sustainable mining in collaboration with Indian research institutes.

Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) has advanced digitalisation with dynamic land record dashboards, a digital logistic management system, real time monitoring using OITDS and geo fencing, and terrestrial three dimensional laser scanners for mine surveying. Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has implemented an Integrated Control and Command Centre, DGPS and drone based GIS surveys, an Intelligent Coal Logistics Dashboard and safety devices on over 410 dumpers. Committee members appreciated the proactive approach and offered suggestions to optimise output through continued technology adoption.

The Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Coal met under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy to review technology upgradation in coal companies. The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, the secretary of the ministry, senior ministry officials and representatives of major coal companies. Officials outlined the agenda and highlighted policy initiatives, progress and future plans for digital and mechanised mining. The secretary welcomed members and noted that there is no unprecedented demand for coal at present. The presentations described a shift from traditional mining to smart, safe and digital mining through the use of drones for surveying, three dimensional laser scanning and artificial intelligence and machine learning based predictive analytics. The minister observed that technology upgradation has become a permanent objective and that efforts cover production, safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility. The ministry is pursuing advanced solutions including carbon capture and storage, biomass cofiring and coal gasification as part of broader innovation and integration initiatives. Coal India Limited (CIL) is undertaking major technology upgrades including three dimensional seismic surveys, drones for exploration, continuous miners and highwall systems to boost efficiency and safety. CIL is improving transport infrastructure with new railway corridors and conveyor systems and driving digital transformation through SAP enterprise resource planning and five G enabled Internet of Things systems. The company is also focusing on clean coal technologies and sustainable mining in collaboration with Indian research institutes. Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) has advanced digitalisation with dynamic land record dashboards, a digital logistic management system, real time monitoring using OITDS and geo fencing, and terrestrial three dimensional laser scanners for mine surveying. Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has implemented an Integrated Control and Command Centre, DGPS and drone based GIS surveys, an Intelligent Coal Logistics Dashboard and safety devices on over 410 dumpers. Committee members appreciated the proactive approach and offered suggestions to optimise output through continued technology adoption.

Infrastructure Transport

15 May 2026

MMRDA Removes 1.14 lakh m of Metro Barricades

In a bid to ease congestion and improve urban mobility during monsoon, MMRDA has undertaken one of the largest coordinated barricade removal and monsoon preparedness drives across its ongoing metro and infrastructure projects.With substantial progress achieved in viaduct and structural works across multiple metro corridors, barricades from completed stretches beneath metro viaducts are being systematically removed, restoring maximum possible road space before the monsoon. Wider carriageways across key arterial roads are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, support better rainwa..

Infrastructure Transport

15 May 2026

Pune Division to Remove All Diamond Crossings by Year-End

The Pune railway division has announced plans to remove all 16 diamond crossings by the end of 2026 as part of a major yard remodelling project following the derailment of a Vande Bharat Express at Pune Junction on April 27. Railway authorities said the replacements aim to improve safety and streamline train operations across the busy station. The decision followed a Central Railway finding that the accident involved a non-standard diamond crossing and highlighted the need for replacement. Regular maintenance of existing crossings will continue until the replacement work is completed. Official..

Infrastructure Urban

15 May 2026

Goa Declares 80 Million Square Metres No Development Zone

The Goa state government has declared 80 million square metres (mn) of land a no development zone, designating the area as protected from new construction. The notification reclassifies tracts across the state under a no development category for planning and regulatory purposes. The declaration signals a formal halt to new building permits within the defined zone. Authorities indicated that maps will be issued to show broad boundaries while detailed surveys will refine precise limits. The move transfers responsibility for enforcement to local planning authorities and relevant departments, whic..