With investments of nearly Rs 50,000 crore taking shape across three large coal gasification projects, Coal India Limited is moving into downstream chemicals and cleaner fuels at scale, marking its biggest diversification beyond conventional coal mining as India looks to cut import dependence on industrial feedstock and natural gas. Coal India Chairman and Managing Director B. Sairam told FE that the projects are being implemented in line with the government’s National Coal Gasification Mission, aimed at converting coal into value-added products while improving energy security.