B. Sairam has taken charge as the Chairman‑cum‑Managing Director (CMD) of Coal India Limited (CIL), India’s largest coal producer, effective 15 December 2025, according to a company filing. He succeeds Sanoj Kumar Jha, who had been holding the additional charge of the CMD post. The Ministry of Coal appointed Sairam for the role, which will continue until 31 March 2028, the date of his retirement, or until further orders, whichever comes first.
Sairam brings over three decades of experience in the coal and mining sector. Prior to this appointment, he served as the CMD of Northern Coalfields Ltd., a key subsidiary of Coal India. His career spans leadership roles in mine operations, project planning, logistics management, regulatory affairs, and rehabilitation programmes. Analysts expect his experience to be crucial as Coal India navigates challenges such as increasing domestic coal demand, operational efficiency, and environmental compliance.
Coal India Limited, a Maharatna public sector company under the Ministry of Coal, contributes significantly to India’s energy supply, producing more than 80% of the country’s coal. The company’s operations are critical for sustaining power generation and supporting industrial growth.
The appointment of Sairam comes at a time when the government is focusing on enhancing domestic coal production, reducing imports, and ensuring a stable supply for power plants. His leadership is anticipated to strengthen Coal India’s operational efficiency and align its growth with national energy objectives.
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