Coal Ministry Simplifies Disposal of Washery Rejects

22 Dec 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Coal has recently simplified the process for disposal of coal washery rejects to enhance ease of doing business and ensure faster utilisation, while maintaining environmental safeguards. The move aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and ongoing reform agenda in the coal sector.

Under the existing policy issued on 27 May 2021, washery rejects were disposed of through a three-tier priority system. The first priority allows their use for energy extraction, in line with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, applicable to waste with calorific value above 1,500 kcal per kg. The second priority covers use as a substitute for construction material, land reclamation, brick making or other productive applications. Disposal in mine voids or low-lying areas was permitted only as a last option, subject to environmental norms.

Earlier, prior approval from the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) was mandatory for disposal under all three options, leading to procedural delays. The government has now removed the requirement of prior CCO permission for disposal under the first two options. Approval from CCO will continue to be required for disposal in mine voids or low-lying areas, given the closer regulatory oversight involved.

The CCO will retain powers to inspect washeries, verify records and draw samples to check gross calorific value. The revised framework is expected to speed up disposal, encourage productive use of washery rejects and reduce operational delays, while supporting domestic resource optimisation and long-term energy security.

Infrastructure Energy

02 Feb 2026

Tata Power Arm Crosses 10 GW EPC Milestone

Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) has achieved a major milestone by executing 10 gigawatts of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) renewable energy projects to date, reinforcing its position in India’s clean energy infrastructure sector. According to the company, the executed portfolio comprises 4.2 gigawatts of in-house projects and 5.8 gigawatts of third-party projects. Of the total 10 gigawatts commissioned so far, 9.7 gigawatts are solar projects and 290 megawatts are wind projects. In the first nine months of FY26, TPREL commissioned 1.88 gigawatts of EPC renewable en..

SCI Seeks Bids for Eight New Gas Carriers

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has invited bids to acquire eight new very large gas carriers (VLGCs), reinforcing its expansion plans while supporting India’s domestic shipbuilding industry. According to the tender, six of the vessels must be constructed in India, while the remaining two can be built by international shipyards. The requirement aligns with the government’s policy push to strengthen local shipbuilding capacity and comply with Press Note 3 regulations governing foreign participation in sensitive sectors. SCI has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to identify el..

L&T Wins Riyadh Metro Extension Order

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a new order in Saudi Arabia for the extension of the Riyadh Metro, valued in the range of Rs 50–100 billion, reinforcing its footprint in large-scale international infrastructure projects. The contract has been awarded to L&T’s Heavy Civil Infrastructure business vertical by the Royal Commission of Riyadh City. The order forms part of an ultra-mega project being executed by a global consortium comprising Webuild S.p.A, L&T, Nesma & Partners Contracting, Alstom and IDOM. The project involves the expansion of the Red Line of the Riyadh Metro network, one o..