India To Launch Coal Exchanges Under New Regulatory Framework

16 Jun 2026 CW Team

The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) was designated in December 2025 as the authority responsible for registering and regulating Coal Exchanges, and eligible entities will be authorised by the CCO to establish and operate exchanges. Registered operators will be able to frame market rules and bye-laws, manage listings and trading mechanisms, and facilitate the flow of coal between producers and buyers. Registrations will be granted for a period of 25 years.

The framework marks a shift from a traditional one-to-many sales model to a competitive many-to-many trading platform designed to broaden market access for commercial and captive miners. The move is expected to enable transparent and market-based price discovery, improve operational efficiency, and provide producers with access to a wider pool of buyers. Public sector coal companies are also anticipated to increase market participation through the platform.

The initiative is presented as part of a broader effort to enhance ease of doing business, promote transparency and build a modern, self-reliant energy ecosystem. Officials argued that a more competitive and efficient coal market will strengthen energy security, support industrial growth and contribute to the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat through sustainable economic development. Inputs to the announcement included reporting contributions from IANS.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The government has paved the way for the establishment of Coal Exchanges in India under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025, a move intended to modernise the country’s coal supply chain and create a transparent, market-driven trading ecosystem. The law introduced the concept of a Mineral Exchange and empowered the Central Government to facilitate transparent and efficient trading of minerals, including coal and processed forms. In line with the legislation, the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, were notified to provide the regulatory framework for setting up and operating coal trading platforms. The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) was designated in December 2025 as the authority responsible for registering and regulating Coal Exchanges, and eligible entities will be authorised by the CCO to establish and operate exchanges. Registered operators will be able to frame market rules and bye-laws, manage listings and trading mechanisms, and facilitate the flow of coal between producers and buyers. Registrations will be granted for a period of 25 years. The framework marks a shift from a traditional one-to-many sales model to a competitive many-to-many trading platform designed to broaden market access for commercial and captive miners. The move is expected to enable transparent and market-based price discovery, improve operational efficiency, and provide producers with access to a wider pool of buyers. Public sector coal companies are also anticipated to increase market participation through the platform. The initiative is presented as part of a broader effort to enhance ease of doing business, promote transparency and build a modern, self-reliant energy ecosystem. Officials argued that a more competitive and efficient coal market will strengthen energy security, support industrial growth and contribute to the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat through sustainable economic development. Inputs to the announcement included reporting contributions from IANS.

Infrastructure Transport

15 Jul 2026

Railways To Operate Over 300 Special Trains For Rath Yatra

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Indian Railways (IR) will operate more than 300 special trains for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha and over 100 special trains during the Onam festival in Keralam. He flagged off the Nanded–Mumbai and Tanakpur–Nanded Express trains and inaugurated the extension of the Tanakpur–Pilibhit service up to Shahjahanpur via video conference from Rail Sadan in Bhubaneswar. He noted that the summer season, which concluded on 30 June, had seen a record 15,000 special trains. Vaishnaw stated that the newly launched services are intende..

Infrastructure Transport

15 Jul 2026

Vande Bharat Express To Start From Tripura Soon

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said the Vande Bharat Express will commence operations from Tripura in the coming days after he flagged off the Agartala–Karimganj MEMU service at Agartala Railway Station. He recalled the rail history of the state, noting that a metre-gauge service first arrived in 1964 and that broad gauge reached Agartala in 2008 following national projects and later upgrades under the Act East policy. The event was described as a milestone for regional connectivity and the MEMU was presented as the first electric passenger train to originate from Tripura.\n\nSaha said he..

Infrastructure Urban

15 Jul 2026

MEMU Suspension Disrupts Commuters Between Vadodara And Dahod

The Vadodara–Dahod Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) service has been temporarily suspended for 26 days after its rake was diverted to Odisha to manage the surge in passenger traffic during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri. Indian Railways redeployed several MEMU rakes from different zones to meet the additional travel demand for the festival scheduled from the seventh of July to the second of August. As a result, train numbers 69233 and 69234 operating between Vadodara and Dahod will remain cancelled for the duration. Railway authorities advised passengers to use alternative train service..