India hits 200 coal block allocations, boosts private participation

The Ministry of Coal has reached a key milestone with the allocation of its 200th coal block, Marwatola-II in Madhya Pradesh, to Singhal Business Pvt Ltd. This move highlights the government’s continued focus on sectoral reforms, encouraging private investment, and strengthening energy self-reliance.

The Ministry of Coal has reached a major milestone with the allocation of its 200th coal block, marking continued efforts to reform and revitalise India’s coal sector. Announced on Tuesday, this achievement reflects the government’s strategic vision of boosting domestic coal production, enhancing energy security, and promoting private sector involvement.

“The Ministry of Coal has achieved a historic milestone with the allocation of its 200th coal mine, underscoring its relentless drive to transform India’s coal sector,” an official statement said.

The Marwatola-II coal block in Madhya Pradesh has been awarded to Singhal Business Private Limited. The move is part of a broader push to reduce import dependency and foster a resilient, diversified coal ecosystem.

The Nominated Authority expressed gratitude to industry stakeholders for their consistent engagement and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to an investor-friendly environment through procedural simplification and faster coal block operationalisation.

Over recent years, the Ministry has introduced several transformative reforms, including commercial coal mining, a single-window clearance system, and digital governance tools. These initiatives have significantly improved transparency and efficiency in the sector, opening up new opportunities for private players.

The reform momentum accelerated in 2020 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the auction of 41 coal blocks for commercial mining, signalling a shift from a state-dominated system to a competitive, open market.

Looking ahead, the Ministry aims to build a coal sector aligned with India’s broader developmental and sustainability goals. By encouraging private participation and streamlining processes, the government is laying the foundation for a more self-reliant and future-ready energy landscape.

The 200th coal block allocation stands as both a symbolic and strategic step forward in India’s journey towards energy independence and economic resilience.