New Delhi: In a significant development for India’s energy sector, B. Sairam officially assumed charge as Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Coal India Limited (CIL) on December 15, 2025, following his appointment by the Ministry of Coal. He succeeds Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary in the Ministry, who had been holding interim charge since November 1, 2025, after the superannuation of P.M. Prasad on October 31, 2025.
Coal India Ltd, a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Coal, is the world’s largest coal-producing company, contributing over 80% of India’s domestic coal output. The appointment of a full-time CMD marks a critical juncture for the PSU, which plays a pivotal role in meeting the country’s energy demands and supporting industrial growth.
The Ministry of Coal confirmed that Sairam’s tenure will extend until his superannuation on March 31, 2028, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The appointment has been made in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and the relevant guidelines issued by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) governing senior executive appointments in central PSUs.
Professional Background and Sectoral Experience
Prior to his elevation, B. Sairam served as CMD of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Coal India. He also held the position of Director (Technical) at Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), another key subsidiary. With over three decades of experience in the coal sector, Sairam has held leadership roles across mine operations, project planning, logistics, and regulatory compliance.
His career trajectory reflects deep engagement with both the operational and strategic dimensions of coal mining, including environmental clearances, land acquisition, and compliance with the Mines Act, 1952, and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. His leadership at NCL was marked by enhanced production metrics and improved safety standards, aligning with the National Mineral Policy, 2019, and the Sustainable Development Framework for Mining.
In his first official statement as CMD, Sairam emphasized the importance of increasing coal production and improving the quality of coal supplies to meet India’s growing energy needs. He also highlighted Coal India’s strategic expansion into coal gasification, solar energy, and critical mineral acquisition, in line with the government’s push for energy diversification and decarbonization.
The appointment of a full-time CMD comes at a time when Coal India is navigating complex regulatory and market challenges. The PSU is currently implementing reforms under the Commercial Coal Mining Policy, which allows private sector participation in coal mining through auction-based allocation. This policy shift, governed by the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014, aims to enhance competition and reduce dependence on imports.
Coal India is also subject to oversight by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), ensuring transparency in procurement, environmental compliance, and financial reporting. The CMD’s role includes ensuring adherence to the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, particularly in projects involving forest land diversion and ecological impact assessments.
Under Sairam’s leadership, Coal India is expected to accelerate its digital transformation, including the deployment of mine surveillance systems, automated coal sampling, and real-time logistics tracking, in compliance with the Digital India initiative and the National Geospatial Policy, 2022.
The PSU’s strategic roadmap also includes collaboration with the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and NITI Aayog to align coal production with national energy targets under the Integrated Energy Policy and India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The appointment of B. Sairam as CMD of Coal India Ltd marks a legally structured and strategically significant transition in India’s coal governance framework. With his extensive experience and sectoral expertise, Sairam is positioned to lead Coal India through a phase of operational expansion, regulatory compliance, and energy diversification. His tenure will be closely watched by stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society, as Coal India continues to play a central role in India’s energy security and economic development.
