Ministry of Coal Expands MDO Initiative to Boost Production

14 Aug 2024 CW Team

The Ministry of Coal has significantly expanded its Mining Developers cum Operators (MDO) initiative to include 28 coal mine projects under Coal India Limited (CIL), with a combined production capacity of approximately 257 million tonnes (MT). This expansion marks a notable increase from the initially identified 15 projects with a capacity of 168 MT.

To date, 18 mines have been awarded to private operators through open global tenders. These MDOs are responsible for managing the entire mining process, including excavation, extraction, and coal delivery, according to approved plans. The initiative aims to modernize operations, boost production efficiency, and reduce India's reliance on imported coal.

Beyond increasing production, MDOs are also tasked with handling critical issues such as Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R), land acquisition, and obtaining environmental clearances. They will work closely with state and central pollution control boards to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Each MDO contract is set for 25 years or the mine?s lifespan, whichever is shorter.

This strategic move by the Ministry of Coal is a significant step towards modernizing India's coal mining sector and enhancing the country?s energy security by ramping up domestic coal production.

Infrastructure Transport

09 Jan 2026

India Becomes First to Produce Bio-Bitumen for Roads

India has become the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen for use in road construction, according to Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Bitumen, a black and viscous hydrocarbon derived from crude oil, is a key binding material in road building, and the bio-based alternative is expected to significantly improve the sector’s environmental footprint.Addressing the CSIR Technology Transfer Ceremony in New Delhi, Mr Gadkari congratulated Council of Scientific and Industrial Research on achieving the milestone, noting that the initiative would help curb ..

HILT Policy Seen Boosting Telangana Revenue Sharply

The Hyderabad Industrial Land Transformation (HILT) Policy is expected to generate around Rs 1.08 billion in revenue for the Telangana state exchequer, according to Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu. Speaking in the Telangana Legislative Assembly, he said the policy would be implemented within a six-month timeframe in a transparent manner, with uniform rules applicable to all stakeholders. Mr Vikramarka noted that without the HILT Policy, the state would have earned only about Rs 1.2 million per acre. Under the new framework, however, revenue is projected to rise sharply to Rs 70 ..

India Post, MoRD Tie Up to Boost Rural Inclusion

The Department of Posts and the Ministry of Rural Development have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate rural transformation and expand financial, digital and logistics services for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural households across India. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The collaboration aligns with the government’s “Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa” vision and seeks to repositi..