Multi‑Round Coal Gasification Programme Opens First Round Until Sept 7, 2026

The Coal Ministry announced that the first round of the Rs 37,500‑crore coal gasification initiative is now open, with a submission deadline of 7 September 2026. While some reports claimed no bids had been received, the ministry confirmed that Talcher Fertilizers Ltd and NTPC Ltd have already submitted their applications online.

In addition, officials are engaging with other interested parties that are in various phases of project planning, from preparing pre‑feasibility reports to finalising detailed proposals.

The Ministry warned that until the application window closes, it cannot provide a definitive count of received proposals and that any early assessment would be provisional.

The scheme is designed as a rolling, multi‑round process: each round commences the day after the previous one ends and stays open for two months, allowing new applicants to join later stages.

Given the scale and complexity of the targeted projects – which demand technology selection, feedstock sourcing, economic viability analysis and comprehensive project documentation – the ministry expects significant industry participation. It foresees investment ranging from Rs 2.5 lakh crore to Rs 3 lakh crore across about 25 projects, potentially creating 50,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

Approved on 13 May 2026, the programme supports the government’s objective of achieving 100 million tonnes of coal gasification capacity by 2030, converting coal and lignite into higher‑value products such as synthetic gas, methanol, ammonia and urea.