CAG Flags Coal India’s Slow Progress On Solar Targets

19 Dec 2025 CW Team

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has criticised state-run Coal India Ltd (CIL) for delays in executing its solar power mandate, noting that the company had installed only 122.49 MW of solar capacity by December 2024, representing just 4.08 per cent of its 3,000 MW target.

In its latest report, the government auditor said Coal India and its subsidiaries had fallen significantly short of the goal assigned by the Centre in 2017, under which CIL was expected to develop 3,000 MW of solar power capacity by 2024 as part of its transition towards becoming a Net Zero energy company. The CAG urged the coal major to fast-track project execution to meet its clean energy objectives.

The report noted that, as of December 2024, work orders had been issued for only 692.50 MW of ground-mounted solar projects and 34.56 MW of rooftop projects. These projects are now expected to be commissioned by 2027–28, following extensions to the original timelines.

To implement the renewable energy mandate, Coal India had entered into joint ventures with NTPC Ltd and NLC India Limited for the development of 1,000 MW of solar capacity each, in addition to signing a memorandum of understanding with Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. The company also set up a dedicated special purpose vehicle, CIL Navikarniya Urja Ltd, to execute solar projects on a fast-track basis.

Coal India accounts for more than 80 per cent of India’s domestic coal production. The CAG said the slow pace of solar capacity addition highlights the need for stronger execution and monitoring mechanisms to align the company’s operations with national clean energy and decarbonisation goals.

Real Estate

11 May 2026

Casagrand Launches 41-Acre Highcity Project in Chennai

Casagrand has launched Casagrand Highcity, a 41-acre integrated residential development on Chennai’s Outer Ring Road (ORR), marking the company’s largest residential project to date.The project will comprise over 4,000 two and three BHK apartments across four G+22 towers and is positioned as one of the largest organised residential developments in the ORR corridor.Located along Chennai’s emerging residential and infrastructure growth belt, the project benefits from connectivity to IT hubs including Navalur, Siruseri SIPCOT and Porur, as well as industrial clusters such as Sriperumbudur, ..

Brigade, Marriott Open Courtyard Kochi Infopark

Brigade Hotel Ventures (BHVL) and Marriott International have opened Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Infopark, a rebranded and upgraded hotel formerly operating as Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark.Located in Kakkanad adjoining Infopark Kochi, the 218-room property strengthens Brigade’s hospitality portfolio in one of the city’s key IT and commercial corridors. The hotel is positioned to cater to corporate, MICE and leisure travellers visiting Infopark, SmartCity and other business hubs in Kochi.The property offers flexible workspaces, smart TVs and high-speed WiFi across rooms and suites..

WorkEZ Expands South India Portfolio to 1.7 Mn Sq Ft

Work Easy Space Solutions (WorkEZ) has expanded its managed workspace portfolio to approximately 1.7 million sq. ft. across 12 operational buildings and two upcoming developments, strengthening its footprint across South India.The expansion includes the addition of 65,000 sq. ft. at Phoenix One National Park in Chennai and the company’s entry into Kochi through a partnership with Lulu Developers, adding another 70,000 sq. ft.WorkEZ has also signed a 0.4 million sq. ft. development in Coimbatore with Veeras Infra following the successful leasing of 0.1 million sq. ft. in the first phase. The ..