<h1>India's Coal Production Up 9% in H1 FY 2012-13; CIL Targets Record 464M Tonnes, Boosts Power Supply by 12.</h1> Coal production in India increased by 9% in the first half of the fiscal year 2012-13, with Coal India Limited (CIL) targeting a record production of 464 million tonnes. Off-take grew by 8.7%, and supply to the power sector rose by 12%. The government identified 54 coal blocks for bidding, with reserves of 18.22 billion tonnes. Efforts include improving railway infrastructure for coal transport and establishing new washeries. CIL is also pursuing international projects and domestic development through the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) route. Additionally, a joint venture for a thermal power project in Uttar Pradesh is underway.