Coal India Opens SWMA Coal Auctions To Neighbouring Nations

06 Jan 2026 CW Team

Coal India Limited has, for the first time, allowed buyers from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal to participate directly in its coal auctions, effective January 1, 2026. Under this move, overseas consumers seeking to import coal from India will be permitted to bid in the company’s Single Window Mode Agnostic (SWMA) e-auctions, marking a significant shift in its cross-border sales framework.

The decision follows approval by Coal India’s board, which amended the SWMA auction mechanism to enable foreign buyers to participate alongside domestic consumers. Previously, access to Coal India’s coal for overseas users was routed through Indian coal traders, who could purchase and resell coal without end-use restrictions. The revised framework removes this intermediary layer, allowing direct engagement by foreign buyers.

A senior company official said opening SWMA e-auctions to overseas participants reflects Coal India’s calibrated approach to expanding market reach while safeguarding domestic coal requirements. The move is expected to enhance transparency, competition and integration with regional markets. Key provisions for foreign buyers include one-time registration, digital bidding, advance electronic payments and exports through notified logistics channels.

Coal India said the payment mechanism will be fully transparent and compliant with foreign exchange regulations. Buyers from Nepal will be allowed to make payments in Indian rupees as well as US dollars, while buyers from Bangladesh and Bhutan will be required to pay in US dollars, with valuation carried out in Indian rupees. The company added that it had held consultations with prospective overseas consumers earlier to assess demand and finalise enabling provisions.

Real Estate

28 Feb 2026

Casagrand Launches Keystone In Tiruppur

Casagrand has launched Casagrand Keystone, a gated residential development at Rakkiyapalayam, off Avinashi Road, in Tiruppur. Spread across 2.2 acres, the B+G+5 structure comprises 142 units of 2 and 3 BHK homes, supported by 48 indoor and outdoor amenities. The project is introduced at a starting price of Rs 5,199 per sq. ft. The development allocates 1.3 acres to open space, including a central park of about 24,500 sq. ft. A 6,800 sq. ft. clubhouse includes a multipurpose hall, mini theatre and indoor recreation facilities. Other amenities include a 5,100 sq. ft. swimming pool, poolside par..

Premium homes account for half of India’s housing sales in 2025

Knight Frank India, in its latest report on India’s office and residential property market, has highlighted a significant shift in housing demand, with homes priced above Rs 10 million accounting for 50 per cent of total residential sales across the top eight cities in 2025. The findings underscore the growing dominance of premium housing in the country’s real estate landscape.Out of 348,247 residential units sold during the year, approximately 175,091 units were in the Rs 10 million-plus category, marking a 14 per cent year-on-year increase. The data reflects changing buyer preferences, w..

Xbattery launches XB-5K energy storage system for homes, offices

Xbattery, a Hyderabad-based deep-tech company specialising in next-generation energy storage and battery management technologies, has introduced its flagship XB-5K, a scalable 5kWh energy storage system designed for homes and offices in India.The XB-5K is built on the company’s indigenously developed BharatBMS platform, described as India’s first universal high-voltage battery management system architecture aimed at reducing import dependence and improving after-sales service capabilities. The launch comes as India seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and address reliance on imported..