India's coal demand is projected to reach one point six billion tonnes (bn t) by 2030, the Coal Secretary said as the government emphasised a shift towards market-driven trade to meet growing energy needs and industrial expansion. The projection reflects anticipated increases in power generation, manufacturing and other coal-intensive sectors and underlines the need for more efficient supply allocation across regions. Officials indicated that planners expect market mechanisms to complement production growth so that supply and demand can be balanced without excessive administrative controls. Policy measures being advanced include wider use of trading platforms, e-auction frameworks and contractual flexibility that would allow producers and consumers to negotiate supply terms more dynamically. The government intends these reforms to improve price discovery and to reduce mismatches between regional supply and demand by enabling commercial entities to respond to market signals. Greater private participation in trading is expected to diversify supply chains and encourage investment in logistics and handling. Regulators are said to be working on rules to ensure transparency and to protect consumer interests while fostering competitive markets. The shift towards market-driven arrangements has implications for investment and infrastructure, notably in mine capacity, rail and port connectivity and storage facilities that support timely deliveries. An emphasis on operational efficiency and cleaner combustion technologies is likely to remain necessary to manage emissions even as coal continues to play a role in the near term energy mix. Enhanced trading could also help moderate reliance on imports by making domestic supplies more accessible to industries across states. Officials indicated that the government will seek to balance affordability and supply reliability while pursuing reform, and that regulatory clarity will be prioritised to bolster investor confidence. Stakeholder consultations are expected to continue as mechanisms are refined. The aim is that market-driven trade, supported by targeted investment and logistics improvements, will help deliver the projected one point six bn t of coal demand by 2030.