In a landmark achievement for India’s energy sector, the Ministry of Coal has allocated its 200th coal mine, reaffirming its commitment to sectoral reforms, private participation, and energy self-reliance. The milestone was reached with the allocation of the Marwatola–II coal block in Madhya Pradesh to Singhal Business Private Limited.
🛠️ Transforming India’s Coal Ecosystem
The Ministry hailed the allocation as a symbol of its reform-driven agenda, aimed at building a resilient, transparent, and future-ready coal ecosystem. Over the past few years, the government has introduced sweeping reforms, including:
- Commercial coal mining
- Single-window clearance system
- Digital monitoring and governance tools
These initiatives have opened the sector to private investment, reduced procedural bottlenecks, and accelerated the operationalisation of coal blocks across the country.
📉 Import Reduction and Energy Security
The reforms have also contributed to a significant reduction in coal imports, saving India approximately $5.43 billion in foreign exchange between April and December 2024.
🏗️ 12th Round of Commercial Auctions Underway
Building on this momentum, the Ministry has launched the 12th round of commercial coal block auctions, receiving 38 bids for 8 blocks from major players like Jindal Steel and Power, NLC India, and Damodar Valley Corporation.
🗣️ Government’s Vision
A Ministry spokesperson stated,
“This milestone is not merely numeric—it symbolizes a strategic shift in India’s energy landscape. We are committed to reducing import dependency and strengthening long-term energy security.”