Govt to launch e-platform to address regulatory hurdles for coal mines

05 Dec 2014 Evaluate

With an aim to enhance the domestic coal production, Coal Ministry has planned to launch soon an electronic platform to address all regulatory hurdles related to coal mines. Coal Secretary Anil Swarup has asserted that the platform will help Coal India to enhance the country's coal production to about 1.4 billion tonnes over the next five years.

Anil Swarup further added that the government is presently considering various issues that would come in the way of ramping up the production both in terms of environment clearance and land acquisition. Coal Secretary also expressed hope that three prominent rail lines proposed to directly connect with coal mines in states such as Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh would be completed by December 2017.

In other encouraging development, Coal Ministry might put 18 more blocks on offer, in addition to the 74 already planned, in the upcoming auction of the mines. The government plans to conclude the first phase of allocation of coal blocks through allotment and auction by March 16, 2015. Of the total 92 blocks, some coal blocks will be allotted to state-run companies while others will be auctioned electronically for private players.

Indian domestic coal demand is around 35 percent higher than domestic supply. Coal India (CIL) is the only producer of coal in the country and is struggling to meet domestic coal requirements. CIL production fell 4.21 percent short of its production target to 462.53 million tonnes in FY14 amid concerns like shutdown of mining activities in Talcher Coalfields in Odisha.

© 2026 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×