CIL Opens E-Auction Access to Foreign Coal Buyers

06 Jan 2026 CW Team

Coal India has recently permitted coal consumers from neighbouring countries to directly participate in its Single Window Mode Agnostic (SWMA) e-auctions, effective 1 January 2026. Buyers from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal seeking to import coal from India can now bid directly alongside domestic consumers.

The move follows approval by CIL’s Board, which revised the SWMA auction framework to enable foreign participation while safeguarding domestic coal requirements. A senior company official said the decision reflects a calibrated approach to market expansion, enhancing transparency, competition and global market integration.

Under the revised mechanism, foreign buyers are allowed to participate through a digital bidding process. Earlier, overseas consumers could access CIL coal only through Indian traders, who were permitted to buy and sell coal without end-use restrictions.

The updated scheme incorporates all operational and procedural modalities for foreign buyers, including one-time registration, advance electronic payments and exports through notified logistics channels. Payments will be processed transparently in line with Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) norms.

Buyers from Nepal may make payments in Indian Rupees or US Dollars, while buyers from Bangladesh and Bhutan are required to pay in US Dollars, with valuation linked to the Indian Rupee. CIL had earlier engaged with prospective overseas consumers to assess demand and finalise enabling provisions.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Aug 2026

Surya Roshni delivers customised lighting for NCRTC RRTS stations

Surya Roshni has supplied customised indoor lighting solutions for 18 elevated stations on the National Capital Region Transport Corporation's (NCRTC) Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), strengthening its presence in India's infrastructure lighting segment.The project involved the design and deployment of lighting systems for platforms, concourses, foot overbridges (FOBs) and back-of-house (BOH) areas. According to the company, the luminaires were developed specifically to meet NCRTC's design, operational and performance requirements rather than using standard products.Surya introduced two custo..

Hilton debuts Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam

Hilton has opened NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the debut of the Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam and expanding its lifestyle hospitality portfolio in Southeast Asia.Located along the Co Co River in Cam Thanh village, the 174-key resort provides access to Hoi An Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach and the Cam Thanh Nipa Forest. The property has been designed by Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, incorporating biophilic architecture, locally sourced materials and riverfront landscapes.The resort offers a mix of guest rooms and suites, including family-frien..

Electrent expands lithium energy storage system portfolio

Electrent Energy has expanded its lithium-based energy storage portfolio with the launch of the ESS 850 and ESS 1050, targeting compact and maintenance-free power backup solutions for Indian homes.The new systems integrate a Home UPS and a LiFePO4 lithium battery into a single unit, extending the company's product range following the launch of its ESS 1350 and ESS 2500 models.Designed for apartments and smaller homes, the ESS 850 provides up to 1 hour 15 minutes of backup, while the ESS 1050 offers up to 1 hour 45 minutes on a typical 400 W household load. The systems can power essential appli..