Coal Ministry Eases Process for Exploration and GR Approvals

03 Dec 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Coal has introduced a simplified approval mechanism for exploration programmes and Geological Reports (GRs) for coal and lignite blocks. The reform aims to accelerate exploration activity, reduce procedural delays and strengthen India’s preparedness for rising energy demand.

Under the revised process, reports prepared by Notified Accredited Prospecting Agencies (APAs) and peer-reviewed by another accredited agency no longer require approval from the committee set up in January 2022. This marks a major shift towards faster, more transparent and technology-driven exploration.

By expanding the role of private APAs, the Ministry has signalled confidence in their technical capability and efficiency. The streamlined approach is expected to save at least three months in GR approval timelines, enabling quicker operationalisation of coal blocks and supporting allottees in meeting project milestones.

The reform is designed to strengthen private sector participation, improve transparency and ensure high technical standards across the exploration ecosystem. Faster approvals will help accelerate sustainable development of coal resources and contribute to the long-term stability of India’s energy landscape.

Through such measures, the Ministry of Coal continues to support the vision of a self-reliant and energy-secure Bharat, building a robust exploration framework aligned with future national requirements.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..