Centre Details Just Transition Plans for Coal Mine Closures

04 Aug 2025 CW Team

In response to queries raised by Khammam MP Ramasahayam Raghurama Reddy in the Lok Sabha, the Central government outlined a broad strategy to support livelihoods, boost renewable energy adoption, and reinforce food security in areas affected by coal mine closures.

During the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, Reddy sought updates on the just transition process, renewable energy progress, and implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Written responses from Union Ministers showcased the Centre’s multipronged commitment to sustainable development and welfare.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, stated that under the mining plan and closure guidelines issued on 31 January 2024, the government is undertaking rehabilitation and resettlement measures for families impacted by mine closures. He emphasised a “just transition” approach aimed at mitigating adverse effects on workers, local communities, and the environment.

Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, informed the House that India’s installed renewable energy capacity reached 43,922 megawatts as of 30 June 2024. This includes capacity added by agencies such as the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), NTPC, and others. The government has accelerated Power Sale Agreement (PSA) signings and introduced revised bidding guidelines to support further solar and wind infrastructure development.

On food security, Minister of State for Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bamania, reported that the NFSA currently benefits 813.5 million people, based on 2011 Census data. The coordinated updates underscore the Centre’s efforts to manage the socio-economic shift away from coal dependency, while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential services such as food distribution and employment support.

Infrastructure Urban

03 Oct 2025

Indian REITs Association Joins Global REIT Alliance

The Indian REITs Association (IRA) has become a member of the Global REIT Alliance, a coalition representing the global Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector. The alliance, launched at the European Public Real Estate Association’s 2025 ReThink conference in Stockholm, aims to promote cross-border cooperation, policy dialogue, and market standardisation for the growth of REITs as an investment asset class.The Global REIT Alliance, which includes members from 24 countries, focuses on promoting global awareness of securitised real estate, supporting sustainable investment, providing indust..

Vande Bharat May Soon Connect Chennai and Rameswaram

Southern Railway plans to introduce a Vande Bharat Express between Chennai and Rameswaram following the completion of electrification on the 53-km Ramanathapuram–Rameswaram section.A proposal has been submitted to the Railway Board to operate the new daytime service from either Chennai Egmore or Tambaram, aiming to ease congestion on existing overnight trains along the 600–660 km route.Officials noted that while the section is cleared for electric locomotives, a 220-metre gap near Uchipuli will undergo trials before the Vande Bharat is introduced. The final route will consider travel time,..

RITES Partners with Etihad Rail to Boost Infrastructure Collaboration

RITES, a leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Etihad Rail to enhance business collaboration with its subsidiary, National Infrastructure Construction Company (NICC).The partnership aims to combine RITES’ five decades of expertise in consultancy, transport infrastructure, and engineering with NICC’s execution capabilities, creating synergies for infrastructure projects across the UAE and other regions.The MoU was signed by HE Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Rahul Mithal, Chairman and Managing Di..