India reaches 200 coal blocks milestone

New Delhi

India has reached a major goal by allocating its 200th coal block for commercial mining. The Ministry of Coal announced this milestone as part of its ongoing reforms to modernise the coal sector and encourage private investment.

The 200th coal block, Marwatola–II, was allotted to Singhal Business Private Limited. This move highlights the government’s push to increase private sector involvement and make India more self-reliant in coal production.

The Ministry said it is working to simplify rules, speed up coal block operations, and make the sector more attractive to investors. These efforts aim to reduce coal imports and improve energy security for the country.

In recent years, several reforms have reshaped the coal industry. These include opening the sector to commercial mining, launching a single-window clearance system, and using digital tools for better monitoring and governance. These changes have improved transparency and opened doors for more private companies.

The Coal Ministry also held the 12th round of auctions for commercial coal blocks. It received 41 bids for 11 blocks, both online and in physical form. The bids were opened in front of the bidders, and the whole process was shown live on screen to ensure fairness.

Companies that submitted bids include Damodar Valley Corporation, Jindal Steel and Power, NLC India, Amalgam Steel and Power, Oriental Quarries and Mines, Penna Shipping, Orissa Alloy Steel, and Jharkhand Exploration and Mining Corporation.

The government said this step brings India closer to a strong, future-ready coal sector that supports both energy needs and economic growth.