New Delhi – India's Ministry of Coal recently organized a roadshow in the capital to highlight its ambitious Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects. The event, held on May 29, 2026, gathered key stakeholders, including policymakers, state government representatives, industry leaders, technology providers, investors, and financial institutions, to discuss the future of coal gasification in the country.
Strategic Push for Energy Self-Reliance
Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, attended as the chief guest, emphasizing India's move towards a self-reliant and secure energy ecosystem under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Reddy described coal gasification as a crucial national mission designed to reduce India's import dependence, promote cleaner coal utilization, and foster growth in downstream industries such as fertilizers, petrochemicals, methanol, hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing.
Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, also served as a guest of honor, alongside Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, and other senior officials, underscoring the government’s unified approach to this initiative.
Massive Investment and Economic Impact
The roadshow detailed the substantial financial support underpinning the scheme. The government has already launched an ₹8,500 crore incentive scheme and recently approved an additional financial package of ₹37,500 crore, bringing the total commitment to ₹46,000 crore. These measures are projected to attract investments totaling nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore and create extensive direct and indirect employment opportunities across the nation.
Reddy highlighted that building resilient domestic industrial capacity is critical for India's long-term economic growth and strategic industrial security, especially in light of evolving global economic trends, geopolitical instability, and shifts in supply chains. Coal gasification is expected to significantly reduce reliance on imported methanol, ammonia, fertilizers, and other vital chemicals, thereby protecting farmers, industries, and consumers from global trade shocks and price volatility.
India's Potential as a Global Leader
With abundant coal reserves, increasing industrial demand, robust policy support, and growing technological capabilities, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in clean coal technologies and sustainable industrial development. Reddy reiterated the government's commitment to a 'whole-of-government' approach, involving various ministries, state governments, industry, researchers, and startups throughout the value chain.
Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt concluded by noting that India stands at a pivotal moment, leveraging its own resources and ingenuity to drive the next phase of industrial transformation, strategic self-reliance, and national resilience.