India-Korea collaboration to strengthen Maritime Workforce and Industrial Competitiveness (See 'Corp Brief') Govt approves Rs.132.5 Crore for Critical Port Connectivity Project at Kandla (See 'Corp Brief') India's Seafood Exports: From Growth to Global Competitiveness (See 'Corp Brief') CAQM's Enforcement Task Force reviews inspection outcomes, enforcement actions (See 'Corp Brief') Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah brings Ministries, States and Training Institutions Together (See 'Corp Brief') GoI signs Agreement to provide SAMPANN 'platform-as-a-service' to State Government of Goa (See 'Corp Brief') Ministry of Coal reports Record-Breaking Production (See 'Corp Brief') PTC Saharanpur not just an Institution but a Living Legacy of Service: Scindia (See 'Corp Brief') IPR - Failure of party to file opposition to registration of trademark u/s 21 of Trade Marks Act, does not disentitle such genuinely aggrieved party from subsequently seeking revocation, cancellation, or rectification of said trademark: HC (See 'Legal Desk') Geological Survey of India concludes Field Season in Mineral Exploration (See 'Corp Brief') IndiaAI and CDSCO launch Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon (See 'Corp Brief') West Asia crisis: Customs duty exemption granted to petrochemical products (See 'Corp Brief') PC Act - If other materials on record are creditworthy and reliable, there would be no bar on relying on same for arriving at conclusion regarding guilt of accused: HC (See 'Legal Desk') Chouhan launches landmark Initiative to Unite Policy, Science, and Field Experience on One Platform (See 'Corp Brief') BCGCL and MCL sign Landmark Land Leasing Agreement for Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project (See 'Corp Brief') IPR - Plaintiff's failure to conclusively establish its exclusive proprietorship over trademarks, coupled with evidence of joint ownership & authorization letter produced by Defendant, meant that matter required full trial: HC (See 'Legal Desk') Railways sets New Record in Passenger Traffic as well as Cargo Transport (See 'Corp Brief') NHAI achieves Robust Growth in NH Development During FY 2025-26 (See 'Corp Brief') PMLA - If specific property was inadvertently omitted in impugned order, case must be remanded back to Adjudicating Authority for limited purpose of passing specific order: SAFEMA (See 'Legal Desk') Nyaya Setu AI Chatbot and Mascot 'DISHIKA' unveiled at DISHA Programme (See 'Corp Brief') Misc - Recipient of concession has no legally enforceable right against Government to grant of concession except to enjoy benefits of concession during period of its grant: SC (See 'Legal Desk') After Signing reformed linked MoU, 5 States got funds under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 (See 'Corp Brief') India's largest collaborative Capacity Building Initiative Begins on 2nd April (See 'Corp Brief') IPR - Section 19 of Trade Marks Act, does not permit any third party to make application before Registrar for withdrawal of acceptance of trademark application: HC (See 'Legal Desk') MSME Ministry organizes Entrepreneur Awareness Camp in Dimapur (See 'Corp Brief') Govt and RBI Measures ensure Seamless Rural Credit Flow (See 'Corp Brief') DGCA signs MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to train youth (See 'Corp Brief') Record 30 Mineral Blocks operationalised in FY 2025-26 (See 'Corp Brief') IPR - No infringement action will lie at instance of one registered proprietor of trade mark against another registered proprietor, seeking injunction against use, by latter, in class in which it is registered: HC (See 'Legal Desk') NCL achieves 140 MT Coal Production Target Ahead of Schedule (See 'Corp Brief') Jan Dhan Darshak App enables GIS-based monitoring of banking infrastructure (See 'Corp Brief') Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya & DGCA sign MoU to Revamp Aircraft Maintenance & Create Jobs (See 'Corp Brief') Benami Act - registration of title, payment of stamp duty, deposit of TDS, and routing of payments through banking channels do not negate benami nature of transaction if source of funds originates from another person: SAFEMA (See 'Legal Desk') Goyal meets UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade (See 'Corp Brief') Access Control & AI-Enabled CCTV Systems to streamline Passenger Flow at Railway stations (See 'Corp Brief') IPR - Order passed by Controller of Patents, which lacks independent analysis and is verbatim reproduction of submissions of one party or recommendations of Opposition Board, is procedurally flawed: HC (See 'Legal Desk') Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Science Foundation organises 16th India Probiotic Symposium (See 'Corp Brief') IPR - Overall appearance at first impression is crucial to identify passing off, and meticulous side-by-side dissection is not necessary and trade dress has to be judged as whole: HC (See 'Legal Desk') Supreme Court Clears Path For Single Insolvency Proceedings Against Linked Group Companies (See CORP EINSICHT)

BCGCL and MCL sign Landmark Land Leasing Agreement for Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project

Published: Apr 02, 2026

By TIOLCorplaws News Service

NEW DELHI, APR 02, 2026: IN a major step towards advancing India's coal gasification roadmap, a landmark land leasing agreement was signed between Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) for the upcoming Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project at Lakhanpur, Odisha. The signing ceremony was held in New Delhi today in the august presence of the Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy.

The project, envisaged as a Coal to 2000 TPD Ammonium Nitrate facility, marks a historic breakthrough as India's first coal gasification project to deploy indigenously developed gasification technology by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). It reflects a decisive shift towards indigenous innovation, technological advancement, and reduced dependence on imported technologies in the energy and chemical sectors.

Spread over approximately 350 acres of land under the possession of MCL, the project has been enabled through recent progressive policy reforms of the Ministry of Coal. These reforms enable the utilisation of Coal Bearing Area (CBA) land for coal gasification projects, unlocking new pathways for value-added utilisation of India's abundant coal resources and strengthening the sector's diversification.

Reinforcing its commitment to promoting coal gasification, the Ministry of Coal has extended financial support of Rs.1,350 crore under its dedicated financial incentives scheme. The project is already witnessing strong momentum on the ground, with major LSTK (Lump Sum Turnkey) packages, LSTK-1 and LSTK-2, having been awarded to BHEL, while LSTK-3 and LSTK-4 have been awarded to Larsen & Toubro. Simultaneously, site development works, including boundary wall construction and tree enumeration, are progressing in parallel, ensuring adherence to timelines.

Addressing the gathering at the signing ceremony of the land lease agreement, Union Minister of Coal & Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, emphasised that, in line with the Prime Minister's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Government is driving focused initiatives to transform the coal sector. Highlighting that India is endowed with abundant coal reserves, he underscored the imperative to harness this resource beyond conventional use through large-scale adoption of coal gasification.

He informed that the Cabinet has approved an outlay of Rs.8500 crore to promote coal gasification, with 7 projects already finalized, including 3 where bhoomi pujan has been completed. Describing the land lease agreement between MCL and BCGCL, with an investment of about Rs.25,000 crore, as a significant step forward, he noted that it marks the first indigenous project of BCGCL and reflects the growing momentum in this sector.

The Minister asserted that coal gasification will be a game-changer, with the potential to significantly reduce import dependency and conserve valuable foreign exchange. He emphasised the need to adopt the best global technologies while simultaneously strengthening indigenous capabilities, assuring full Government support. Emphasising a whole-of-government approach, he highlighted the coordinated role of Ministries including MoEF&CC, Ministry of Heavy Industries, and Ministry of Commerce, and urged industry, investors, and stakeholders to actively participate. He also called for expeditious implementation of the project, with a focus on completing it ahead of schedule.

Addressing the gathering, Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, termed the signing of the land lease agreement between BCGCL and MCL a landmark milestone in advancing coal gasification in the country. He emphasised that in the present global scenario, there is a need to accelerate efforts towards Atmanirbharta and strengthen domestic capabilities.

Dutt noted that all key enablers, including statutory clearances, Letters of Award (LOAs), and tender processes, are in place and have reached advanced stages, positioning the project for timely execution. Describing it as a potential model for indigenous development with a competitive cost structure, he urged all stakeholders to work with a strong sense of ownership, ensure timely escalation of issues, and demonstrate effective coordination among PSUs for the successful implementation of the project.

On this occasion, the Minister also inaugurated the official website of BCGCL, marking a step forward in enhancing transparency, accessibility, and stakeholder engagement. The platform will serve as a centralised hub for disseminating key information, including project updates and tenders, fostering greater openness in project implementation.

The signing of this lease agreement is expected to significantly accelerate project execution and ensure timely completion within the stipulated schedule. The Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project at Lakhanpur is an important industrial initiative that reflects India's progress in technology, policy reforms, and efforts towards achieving self-reliance, while contributing to the nation's long-term industrial growth and economic resilience.

In the present global scenario, marked by evolving geopolitical dynamics and supply chain uncertainties, such initiatives assume greater significance in strengthening domestic capabilities. The project aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat, focusing on innovation, resource efficiency, and sustainable industrial development. It reinforces India's commitment to reducing import dependence, enhancing value addition to its natural resources, and building a resilient, future-ready economy.

TIOL CORP SEARCH

TIOL GROUP WEBSITES