Ministry To Launch 15th Round Of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions

21 Apr 2026 CW Team

The auction round will offer a mix of fully and partially explored coal blocks to attract established mining companies, new entrants and technology driven firms. The ministry stated the exercise forms part of a broader push to raise domestic coal availability and reduce import dependence. Officials indicated the process is intended to promote ease of doing business in the sector and widen participation.

Commercial coal mining was introduced in 2020 as a reform to open the sector to private players and shift to an auction based regime. The framework has prioritised transparency, competition and a level playing field for bidders, and has been credited with supporting higher production. The ministry linked the regime to a more stable supply of fuel to core industries such as power, steel and cement.

The 15th round is expected to encourage investment, support employment generation and strengthen the broader energy ecosystem while aligning with the government vision of self reliance in energy. Officials argued that expanding domestic coal output remains critical to meeting rising demand and ensuring reliable supply. The ministry said the auction mechanism has helped enhance efficiency and investor confidence across the sector.

With the new round, the government aims to build on previous auctions and reinforce long term growth and resilience in the coal sector while ensuring affordable energy for industry and households. The consultation in Mumbai will provide a forum for stakeholder feedback ahead of the auctions, and officials will review operational and regulatory issues. The ministry anticipates that the combined auction and consultation process will strengthen the sector's contribution to national energy security.

The Ministry of Coal will launch the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions on April 17, accompanied by a stakeholder consultation in Mumbai. The consultation, under the theme Atmanirbhar Bharat: Coal for Energy Security, will gather officials, industry representatives and service providers. The Coal Secretary, Vikram Dev Dutt, is scheduled to attend as the chief guest, according to an official statement. The auction round will offer a mix of fully and partially explored coal blocks to attract established mining companies, new entrants and technology driven firms. The ministry stated the exercise forms part of a broader push to raise domestic coal availability and reduce import dependence. Officials indicated the process is intended to promote ease of doing business in the sector and widen participation. Commercial coal mining was introduced in 2020 as a reform to open the sector to private players and shift to an auction based regime. The framework has prioritised transparency, competition and a level playing field for bidders, and has been credited with supporting higher production. The ministry linked the regime to a more stable supply of fuel to core industries such as power, steel and cement. The 15th round is expected to encourage investment, support employment generation and strengthen the broader energy ecosystem while aligning with the government vision of self reliance in energy. Officials argued that expanding domestic coal output remains critical to meeting rising demand and ensuring reliable supply. The ministry said the auction mechanism has helped enhance efficiency and investor confidence across the sector. With the new round, the government aims to build on previous auctions and reinforce long term growth and resilience in the coal sector while ensuring affordable energy for industry and households. The consultation in Mumbai will provide a forum for stakeholder feedback ahead of the auctions, and officials will review operational and regulatory issues. The ministry anticipates that the combined auction and consultation process will strengthen the sector's contribution to national energy security.

Infrastructure Energy

05 Jun 2026

India Adds Record 44.61 GW Solar Capacity in FY2026

India’s solar sector reached a milestone in FY2026, with cumulative installed capacity crossing 150 GW and annual additions hitting a record 44.61 GW, exceeding the government target of 34 GW and nearly doubling FY2025’s 23.83 GW. Distributed Renewable Energy contributed 16.3 GW, while PPA and C&I segments accounted for 34 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively.India has risen from 9th globally in 2015 to 3rd in cumulative solar capacity by 2025 and is set to become the world’s second-largest solar market in annual installations in 2026. Seven states, led by Rajasthan and Gujarat, ac..

Real Estate

05 Jun 2026

Abhee Ventures unveils Scottish-themed 45-acre township in Bengaluru

Abhee Ventures, a leading South Indian real estate developer, has announced “Codename New Dimension,” a 45-acre Scottish-themed residential township at Gunjur on Whitefield–Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru. Strategically located between Whitefield and Sarjapur Road, Gunjur benefits from strong connectivity to the Outer Ring Road IT corridor, ITPL, EPIP, the upcoming Dommasandra Metro Station, and the proposed SWIFT City and Peripheral Ring Road.The township, designed in collaboration with London-based UHA London and India’s RSP Architects, offers low-density living with 85 per cent open spaces..

Infrastructure Urban

05 Jun 2026

Hindalco unveils Eternia experience centre for high-performance aluminium windows

Hindalco Industries, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has launched its Eternia experience centre in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, highlighting its high-performance aluminium window systems designed for India’s evolving construction sector. The company is also expanding its manufacturing footprint in North India with a new Bilaspur facility.Eternia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing brands in system aluminium windows, registering nearly 65 per cent CAGR over the last three years. With a nationwide network of 170+ channel partners across 100+ cities, the brand serves homeowners..