Coal India Limited (CIL), India’s largest coal producer and a Maharatna PSU, has appointed Mr. B. Sairam as its new Chairman-cum-Managing Director with effect from December 15, 2025. He takes over the top role after Mr. Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, who had been holding interim charge since November 1, 2025, following the superannuation of former CMD Mr. P. M. Prasad on October 31.
Before assuming leadership at Coal India, Mr. Sairam was serving as CMD of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), one of Coal India’s key coal-producing subsidiaries. During his tenure at NCL, he was closely associated with production growth, operational efficiency, and mine planning, strengthening the subsidiary’s role in India’s coal supply chain.
Speaking after taking charge, Mr. Sairam highlighted that increasing coal production and ensuring consistent quality coal supplies will remain Coal India’s core priority to meet the country’s rising energy demand. At the same time, he underlined the company’s focus on adapting to changing energy sector dynamics. Coal India, under his leadership, will continue expanding into solar power projects, coal gasification initiatives, and critical mineral acquisitions, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Mr. Sairam brings over three and a half decades of experience in the coal mining sector. He is a graduate in Mining Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, and also holds an MBA in Energy Management from the NTPC School of Business. His professional journey spans coal mine operations, project planning, logistics management, and regulatory affairs, giving him a comprehensive understanding of both operational and policy aspects of the industry.
Prior to heading Northern Coalfields Limited, Mr. Sairam served as Director (Technical) at Central Coalfields Limited, another major Coal India subsidiary, where he played a key role in technical planning and mine development.
