Coal Ministry Consults Stakeholders to Accelerate Domestic Production

18 Mar 2026 CW Team

The Union Minister underlined that India must move beyond incremental measures towards the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, guided by a reform perform transform and inform approach that seeks continuous and comprehensive reforms across the coal value chain. He urged removal of systemic bottlenecks to enhance production, improve supply efficiency and ensure seamless processes from exploration and auctions through operations to scientific mine closure. The minister also advocated promotion of coal gasification and anticipated significant growth in private sector participation in coal production.

The Secretary observed that sustained policy driven reforms have transformed the coal sector into a more transparent, competitive and efficient ecosystem, strengthening ease of doing business and providing regulatory clarity. Landmark initiatives noted included commercial coal mining, the Single Window Clearance System and digital reforms that have supported faster mine operationalisation and efficient resource extraction. These measures were reported to be reducing import dependence and fostering industry collaboration in pursuit of national objectives.

The Additional Secretary presented reforms and data, noting that coal output from captive and commercial mines crossed 200 million tonnes (200 mn t) this financial year, with production growing at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 30 per cent from FY 2021 to FY 2025. She outlined reforms to ease exploration and preparation of geological reports, speed approval of mining plans, simplify environmental and forest clearances and expedite mine opening permissions, and emphasised incentives and technology adoption to promote underground mining. The consultation concluded with stakeholders agreeing on the need for sustained policy support, innovation in mining practices and closer government industry collaboration to accelerate production and enhance the sector's long term sustainability.

The Ministry of Coal organised a high level stakeholder consultation on accelerating domestic coal production on 17 March 2026, bringing together senior government and industry representatives. The meeting was attended by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, the Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, senior officials, private participants and industry experts. The consultation aimed to deliberate on strategies for faster mine development, operationalisation and strengthened energy security. The Union Minister underlined that India must move beyond incremental measures towards the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, guided by a reform perform transform and inform approach that seeks continuous and comprehensive reforms across the coal value chain. He urged removal of systemic bottlenecks to enhance production, improve supply efficiency and ensure seamless processes from exploration and auctions through operations to scientific mine closure. The minister also advocated promotion of coal gasification and anticipated significant growth in private sector participation in coal production. The Secretary observed that sustained policy driven reforms have transformed the coal sector into a more transparent, competitive and efficient ecosystem, strengthening ease of doing business and providing regulatory clarity. Landmark initiatives noted included commercial coal mining, the Single Window Clearance System and digital reforms that have supported faster mine operationalisation and efficient resource extraction. These measures were reported to be reducing import dependence and fostering industry collaboration in pursuit of national objectives. The Additional Secretary presented reforms and data, noting that coal output from captive and commercial mines crossed 200 million tonnes (200 mn t) this financial year, with production growing at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 30 per cent from FY 2021 to FY 2025. She outlined reforms to ease exploration and preparation of geological reports, speed approval of mining plans, simplify environmental and forest clearances and expedite mine opening permissions, and emphasised incentives and technology adoption to promote underground mining. The consultation concluded with stakeholders agreeing on the need for sustained policy support, innovation in mining practices and closer government industry collaboration to accelerate production and enhance the sector's long term sustainability.

Infrastructure Urban

18 Mar 2026

Coal Minister Inaugurates Projects and Reviews WCL in Nagpur

G. Kishan Reddy, Coal Minister, inaugurated several key infrastructure projects and reviewed operations of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) at a programme in Nagpur. The minister opened new facilities aimed at strengthening production capacity and logistics and undertook a comprehensive review of mining, transportation and safety arrangements. He assessed project readiness and operational planning with senior WCL officials and emphasised the need for timely completion and strict adherence to statutory norms. During the visit the minister inspected mining works, mechanisation initiatives, pithe..

Infrastructure Transport

18 Mar 2026

Modi To Inaugurate Redeveloped Kakinada Railway Station

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the redeveloped Kakinada railway station in Andhra Pradesh on March 31. The ceremony will mark the completion of a redevelopment initiative intended to upgrade the station's infrastructure and services. The event will be presented as a milestone in efforts to modernise regional rail facilities. The redevelopment focuses on improved passenger amenities, enhanced accessibility and better circulation within the station complex. Upgrades are reported to encompass modernised waiting areas, upgraded sanitation facilities and signage, and measur..

Infrastructure Energy

18 Mar 2026

Kerala Able to Meet Peak Electricity Demand, Minister Says

Kerala will be able to meet peak electricity demand and there will be no power cuts, the state energy minister Krishnankutty has said. He provided assurance that supply arrangements and operational measures are in place to handle peak loads and to maintain stability across the grid. The statement followed routine assessments by the state electricity department and other agencies tasked with monitoring system health and reserve margins. The minister indicated that the administration has intensified monitoring of demand patterns and generation output to pre-empt stress on the network. He said co..