Satish Chandra Dubey Reviews WCL Operations, Launches New Facilities and SHASTRA Centre

During his visit, Shri Dubey emphasised that achieving WCL’s annual production targets is vital to meeting India’s rapidly rising coal demand.

Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines Shri Satish Chandra Dubey visited the Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) Headquarters in Nagpur on 27 November 2025, where he chaired a comprehensive review meeting on the company’s operations and inaugurated several major facilities designed to strengthen coal production, enhance security capabilities, and improve operational efficiency.

Strengthening Coal Infrastructure for a Self-Reliant India

During his visit, Shri Dubey emphasised that achieving WCL’s annual production targets is vital to meeting India’s rapidly rising coal demand. He stated that as the nation continues its industrial expansion, a stable and efficient coal supply remains essential. He urged WCL to accelerate ongoing mining activities and ensure timely operationalisation of new projects to support the goal of a self-reliant coal sector under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

He assured the management of full cooperation from the Ministry of Coal, recognising Western Coalfields Limited as a key pillar in fulfilling India’s energy requirements. He commended WCL for its consistent contribution to national coal production and encouraged continued progress on all operational fronts.

Launch of E-Vehicle Fast Charging Station and ICCC Inspection

Shri Dubey inaugurated the new E-Vehicle Fast Electric Charging Station at WCL Headquarters—an initiative aligned with the government's commitment to green energy adoption and sustainable mining practices.

He also inspected the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), a state-of-the-art e-surveillance setup designed to monitor mining operations, safety parameters, and security arrangements across WCL’s vast operational network. The ICCC enhances real-time visibility into field activities and strengthens WCL’s commitment to safe, accountable and technology-driven mining.

Unveiling WCL’s New Website and Amrit Pharmacy

The review meeting commenced with the inauguration of WCL’s new official website, aimed at improving digital accessibility, transparency and stakeholder engagement. Shri Dubey also launched the Amrit Pharmacy at WCL’s Chandrapur Area, a welfare initiative aimed at providing employees and their families with access to affordable, high-quality medicines.

Detailed Review of Production and Performance

WCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Shri J. P. Dwivedi presented a detailed overview of the company’s mining operations, achievements, and ongoing initiatives. He highlighted:

• Coal production and dispatch progress for the current financial year

• Expansion of mining projects and future plans

• Implementation of welfare schemes and CSR initiatives

• Adoption of new technologies and digital tools

• Strengthening safety measures across mining zones

He reaffirmed that WCL is well on track to meet its annual production target and remains committed to driving operational excellence.

Senior Officials Participate in Review Meeting

The review meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Coal—including OSD Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Private Secretary Rituraj Mishra, Deputy Secretary Ram Kumar, Under Secretary Vasant Burde, and Private Secretary Hradesh Dwivedi.

From WCL, key participants included Director (Finance) Bikram Ghosh, Director (Technical – Operations & Projects/Planning) Anandji Prasad, Director (Human Resources) Dr. Hemant Sharad Pande, Chief Vigilance Officer Ajay Madhukar Mhetre, along with General Managers and senior departmental heads from across WCL’s operational areas.

SHASTRA: India’s First Simulator-Based Weapons Training Centre in a PSU

A major highlight of Shri Dubey’s visit was the inauguration of “SHASTRA” – Small Hybrid Arms Simulator Training Academy, the first-of-its-kind simulator-based weapons training centre established by any Public Sector Undertaking in India.

Located at WCL’s Safety Training Centre in Indora, SHASTRA is designed to:

• Train security personnel using advanced weapon simulators

• Improve accuracy, preparedness and tactical response

• Provide realistic, safe, and cost-effective training environments

• Strengthen security across WCL’s mining operations

The Minister reviewed the training modules, inspected modern weapon simulators, and observed demonstrations of weapon-handling techniques. Addressing WCL’s security personnel, he lauded their role in safeguarding critical national infrastructure and urged them to remain vigilant, disciplined and committed to their duties.

A Step Forward in Modern, Secure and Efficient Coal Operations

Shri Satish Chandra Dubey’s visit marks a significant milestone in WCL’s ongoing efforts to modernise operations, enhance worker welfare, improve digital governance, and strengthen security frameworks. The newly inaugurated facilities—ranging from digital surveillance to EV charging infrastructure and advanced weapons training—signal WCL’s transition toward more sustainable, technologically advanced and future-ready mining practices.