Coal Ministry Signs Mine Deals

11 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Coal has signed Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for two commercial coal blocks, aiming to enhance domestic production and reduce dependency on imports. The agreements are expected to generate an estimated annual revenue of Rs 1.06 bn once the mines are fully operational.

These blocks were awarded to private entities through a transparent auction process, encouraging increased private sector involvement in India’s coal sector. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader push for self-reliance in energy and boosting economic activity through resource monetization. Both coal blocks are located in mineral-rich states and collectively hold substantial reserves. Their development is expected to not only improve coal availability for key industries like power and steel but also create employment opportunities in the surrounding regions. The CMDPAs outline detailed responsibilities for mine development, timelines, and environmental compliance, ensuring that operations proceed efficiently and sustainably. With these new allocations, the Coal Ministry reinforces its commitment to unlocking the sector’s potential and supporting India’s growing energy demands.

These agreements are part of ongoing efforts to attract investments, modernise mining operations, and achieve the target of one billion tonnes of coal production annually in the coming years.

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..