New Era Cleantech Starts Rs 200 bn Coal Gasification in Chandrapur

17 Mar 2026 CW Team

New Era Cleantech has commenced development of a coal gasification project in Chandrapur with an investment valued at Rs 200 billion (Rs 200 bn), the company said. The initiative marks a significant private sector investment in regional industrial infrastructure and aims to convert coal into synthesis gas for downstream applications. Project financing, timelines and operational milestones were described as being subject to regulatory approvals and routine clearances.

Coal gasification is a thermochemical process that converts coal into synthesis gas comprising mainly hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which can be used as a feedstock for chemicals and fuels. The firm indicated that adopting gasification technology can improve resource efficiency compared with traditional coal combustion while enabling integration with cleaner fuel pathways. Stakeholders noted that careful management of emissions and water use will be important to align the development with environmental norms.

The company suggested the project could support local industry by strengthening supply chains for chemical and energy sectors and by attracting ancillary manufacturing activities. Local authorities were reported to be engaged in facilitating clearances and infrastructure coordination to enable timely implementation without giving precise timelines. Market analysts said the size of the investment underscores growing interest in alternative coal utilisation technologies even as broader energy transition debates continue.

The developer plans to provide further details on project phasing, partners and capacity as statutory approvals progress and as financial close is achieved. Observers will monitor permitting, environmental compliance and the technical readiness of the chosen gasification route as indicators of the project's viability. The announcement adds to ongoing industry activity in the region and is likely to shape dialogue on industrial strategy and energy policy at state and national levels.

Infrastructure Transport

15 May 2026

MMRDA Removes 1.14 lakh m of Metro Barricades

In a bid to ease congestion and improve urban mobility during monsoon, MMRDA has undertaken one of the largest coordinated barricade removal and monsoon preparedness drives across its ongoing metro and infrastructure projects.With substantial progress achieved in viaduct and structural works across multiple metro corridors, barricades from completed stretches beneath metro viaducts are being systematically removed, restoring maximum possible road space before the monsoon. Wider carriageways across key arterial roads are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, support better rainwa..

Pune Division to Remove All Diamond Crossings by Year-End

The Pune railway division has announced plans to remove all 16 diamond crossings by the end of 2026 as part of a major yard remodelling project following the derailment of a Vande Bharat Express at Pune Junction on April 27. Railway authorities said the replacements aim to improve safety and streamline train operations across the busy station. The decision followed a Central Railway finding that the accident involved a non-standard diamond crossing and highlighted the need for replacement. Regular maintenance of existing crossings will continue until the replacement work is completed. Official..

Goa Declares 80 Million Square Metres No Development Zone

The Goa state government has declared 80 million square metres (mn) of land a no development zone, designating the area as protected from new construction. The notification reclassifies tracts across the state under a no development category for planning and regulatory purposes. The declaration signals a formal halt to new building permits within the defined zone. Authorities indicated that maps will be issued to show broad boundaries while detailed surveys will refine precise limits. The move transfers responsibility for enforcement to local planning authorities and relevant departments, whic..