Minister of State for Coal and Power Piyush Goyal has said that Coal India Limited (CIL) will invest over Rs. 1.27 lakh crores to increase its production to one billion tonnes over the next five years.
The minister said the money would be spent for procuring technology and equipment, and also to upgrade the existing facilities.
He said that CIL would be opening 70 to 100 mines while the state governments would be adding 39 more for boosting the power production in their respective states, adding that 70 to 80 mines would be opened by the private sector.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the Centre to announce a national policy on iron ore to meet the needs of the states. She also appreciated the CIL’s endeavour and assured all help for their activities in the state.
Both leaders were speaking at the inauguration of the new Coal India office complex in Kolkata.
Banerjee inaugurated the office complex in presence of Minister of State for Urban Development Babul Supriyo and chairman of CIL Suthirtho Bhattacharjee. (ANI)