Coal Ministry Eases Approval Norms For Exploration Reports

05 Dec 2025 CW Team

The Coal Ministry has revised and simplified the approval process for exploration programmes and geological reports for coal and lignite blocks, aiming to improve ease of doing business and promote efficient, sustainable exploration.

Under the new system, approval from the government panel constituted in 2022 is no longer required. The Ministry said the mechanism for approving exploration programmes and Geological Reports (GRs) prepared by Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) — accredited by QCI-NABET and peer-reviewed by another APA — has been streamlined.

The Ministry noted that India’s rising energy needs demand faster, more efficient and technologically advanced exploration of coal and lignite resources. The reforms form part of broader efforts to increase transparency, encourage private-sector participation and strengthen national energy preparedness.

By expanding and utilising the capabilities of private APAs, the government has signalled its confidence in private exploration entities. The approach aims to leverage their efficiency, technological expertise and innovation for the sustainable development of coal resources, while maintaining stringent transparency and high technical standards.

Infrastructure Transport

08 Jan 2026

CMRL to Open 15.8 km Chennai Metro Phase II in February

Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) has revised its rollout strategy for Phase II of the Chennai Metro, deciding to commission the entire 15.8-km stretch between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani directly in February. The move marks a shift from the earlier plan of launching services on a shorter section first and extending them in stages.Initially, CMRL had proposed to start operations on the Poonamallee Bypass–Porur Junction stretch by the end of January, with services extended to Vadapalani in February. However, officials said the revised approach would allow commuters to benefit from better connec..

Power Mech Emerges L1 for Mumbai Monorail O&M Contract

Power Mech Projects has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for the operations and maintenance (O&M) contract of the Mumbai Monorail project, officials said. The contract was floated by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) with a tenure of 1,825 days, or five years.MMRDA had invited bids for the O&M work of the Mumbai Monorail corridor from Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk to Chembur. Technical bids were opened on November 12, 2025, with four firms submitting bids for the contract. Following the technical evaluation conducted on January 1, 2026, two bidders were disqualif..

E to E Transportation Clarifies SECR Contract Value at Rs 270.35 Mn

NSE Emerge-listed E to E Transportation Infrastructure has issued a clarification on the value of a railway signalling and telecommunication contract awarded by the South East Central Railway (SECR), Raipur Division, after identifying a typographical error in its earlier regulatory disclosure.In a filing dated January 4, 2026, the company said the correct value of the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) is Rs 270.34 million, and not Rs 2.73 billion as previously stated in an announcement uploaded on the NSE Emerge portal earlier the same day. The company noted that the incorrect figure was the result o..