CCL Barka-Sayal Area Creates History in FY 2025-26 with Record Production and Sustainable Development Milestones

The Barka-Sayal Area of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) has scripted a new chapter of excellence in the financial year 2025-26, registering its best-ever performance since inception. The region achieved remarkable growth across key operational parameters, including coal production, overburden removal (OBR), dispatch, and sustainable development initiatives.

During FY 2025-26, the Barka-Sayal Area recorded coal production of 8.743 million tonnes, achieving 97% of its Annual Action Plan (AAP) target and marking an 8% increase over the previous year’s output of 8.1 million tonnes. Overburden removal stood at 23.679 million cubic meters, surpassing the target by 146% and registering a substantial 38% growth. Composite production reached 29.275 million cubic meters (133%), while total dispatch stood at 8.04 million tonnes, reflecting a 5% increase year-on-year.

A major highlight of the year was the significant improvement in rake dispatches, which reached 2,063 rakes, marking a 20% rise compared to 1,725 rakes in the previous fiscal. These achievements underscore the unwavering dedication of the workforce and the strategic vision of the management.

The Area also achieved a landmark milestone by completing its annual OBR target of 16.2 million cubic meters 105 days ahead of schedule, on December 16, 2025. Additionally, a record-breaking 0.10 million cubic meters of OB removal in a single day was achieved on December 14, 2025—the highest ever in its history.

The North Urimari CHP-SILO, CCL’s only operational First Mile Connectivity (FMC) project, emerged as a key growth driver. Dispatch through the facility surged to 4.702 million tonnes, registering a 62% increase over 2.9 million tonnes in FY 2024-25. The number of rakes handled rose from 755 to 1,193, reflecting a 58% growth. Further strengthening its operational capacity, the EC/CTO capacity of the Birsa/North Urimari Project was enhanced from 4.5 MTY to 6 MTY.

Beyond operational excellence, the Barka-Sayal Area made notable strides in sustainable development. The adoption of FMC-based coal transportation has significantly reduced road movement and vehicular emissions, reinforcing environmentally responsible mining practices.

An eco-park developed at the Balkudra OB dump has been transformed into a green recreational hub, offering a serene environment for employees and local communities. In a pioneering initiative, the North Urimari CHP-SILO has also been developed into Jharkhand’s first formal mining tourism hub, established under a tripartite MoU involving the Government of Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation, and CCL. The project is attracting visitors from across India and abroad, giving a new dimension to the mining sector.

The Area has also contributed to livelihood generation and community empowerment through active participation in the state government’s fisheries project near Saunda B Siding, promoting inclusive development and women’s empowerment.

In line with India’s clean energy goals, a 5 MW solar power plant has been successfully installed and grid-connected at Balkudra, marking a significant step towards green energy adoption.

Under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), two Amrit Sarovar projects have been developed in Urimari Panchayat, Barkagaon (Hazaribagh), serving as exemplary models of water conservation and community development.

These achievements have been realized under the leadership of CMD Central Coalfields Limited, Nilendu Kumar Singh, whose strategic direction has driven the Area to excel not only in production but also in sustainability and community engagement.

The stellar performance of the Barka-Sayal Area stands as a testament to what can be achieved through a combination of workforce dedication, visionary leadership, and cohesive teamwork—setting new benchmarks for the coal mining sector in India.