The Ministry of Coal has released a statement highlighting the transformation of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, over the past decade. SECL operates coal mines across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and has become a major contributor to India’s coal output. The announcement details changes in production, workforce opportunities, infrastructure development and community programmes across the company’s operational regions.
Key Numbers and Progress
SECL’s coal production has grown from 124.26 Million Tonnes in 2013-14 to 176.28 MT in 2025-26, representing a significant expansion. The company now accounts for approximately 23% of Coal India’s output and around 17% of India’s total coal production. Coal offtake across 13 states reached 178.63 MT in 2025-26, up from 122.03 MT a decade earlier, marking a growth of over 46%.
Productivity has more than doubled, with output per man-shift increasing from 7.23 tonnes in 2013-14 to 16.47 tonnes in 2025-26. The company operates major mines at Gevra, Kusmunda and Dipka in Korba, which together represent 185 million tonnes of capacity.
SECL’s financial position has strengthened considerably. Net worth rose from approximately 9,544 crore in March 2015 to 20,457 crore in March 2026. In 2025-26, the company contributed around 11,830 crore to Central and State governments through taxes and royalties.
Infrastructure investment includes the Chhattisgarh East and Chhattisgarh East-West Railway corridors, involving 13,685 crore and 342.6 kilometres of rail lines being developed with IRCON. Eleven First Mile Connectivity projects have been operationalised at a cost of approximately 2,700 crore, with seven additional projects planned. Dispatch through mechanised systems grew 28% during 2025-26 and now accounts for 41.3% of total dispatch.
The company planted 14.36 lakh saplings across 571 hectares in 2025-26 and has completed the scientific closure of 28 abandoned mines. Solar capacity has expanded to 44 MW, up from zero in 2014. SECL has completed 300 corrective heart surgeries for children under its CSR programme and provided free medical coaching to students, with 70 of 80 qualifying for NEET entrance.
What this means for you
If you live in Chhattisgarh or Madhya Pradesh, improved rail connectivity will eventually make travel and goods movement more efficient, while solar and renewable projects on reclaimed mine land may offer new livelihood opportunities. Students from SECL operational areas now have access to free NEET coaching and medical treatment programmes. The company’s expansion also creates employment pathways, including new technical roles for women through training programmes in heavy machinery operation.