Western Coalfields Limited’s Contribution is Crucial in Meeting India’s Coal Demand: MoS Coal & Mines Satish Chandra Dubey
Minister inaugurates “SHASTRA,” the first-ever simulator-based weapons training Centre in a PSU, and several other key projects
Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Headquarters of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) in Nagpur and inaugurated several key projects aimed at strengthening the company’s operational, technological, and security infrastructure.
Dubey inaugurated the Fast Electric Vehicle Charging Station at WCL Headquarters and inspected the modern Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) developed for advanced e-surveillance across WCL’s mining ecosystem.
WCL’s Performance Vital for Meeting India’s Energy Growth
During the review meeting, the Minister stressed that achieving WCL’s annual coal production targets holds national importance as India’s energy demand continues to grow. He emphasized that speeding up mining activities and operationalising new projects would be essential for the country’s vision of coal sector self-reliance. He assured full support from the Ministry of Coal and praised WCL’s sustained contribution toward meeting the nation’s coal supply requirements.
Launch of New Website & Amrit Pharmacy
The meeting began with the launch of WCL’s newly revamped website and the inauguration of an Amrit Pharmacy at WCL’s Chandrapur Area, aimed at improving employee health facilities.
WCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director J. P. Dwivedi made a detailed presentation covering:
- Current year’s coal production & dispatch progress
- Operational achievements and new projects
- Employee welfare initiatives
- CSR interventions
- Technology adoption
- Safety and sustainability measures
He assured the Minister that WCL is firmly on track to meet its annual production target.
India’s First Simulator-Based Weapons Training Centre in a PSU Launched
In a landmark initiative, the Minister inaugurated “SHASTRA” – Small Hybrid Arms Simulator Training Academy, the first-ever simulator-based weapons training centre in any Public Sector Undertaking in India. Located at the Safety Training Centre, Indora, SHASTRA is designed to enhance the efficiency, preparedness, and safety of WCL’s security personnel deployed across coalfields.
Dubey reviewed the training modules, observed weapon-handling demonstrations, and urged security personnel to remain alert, disciplined, and committed to integrity.
