Coal policy reform: Cabinet okays CoalSETU window for auction-based linkages; new route to allow industrial use and export

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Friday approved a new policy framework called the CoalSETU window, creating an additional auction route for long-term coal linkages for any industrial use and exports, according to an official release.

The decision modifies the existing Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) Linkage Auction Policy of 2016, which restricts linkages to specified end-use sectors. The government said the new window will “allow allocation of coal linkages on auction basis on long-term for any industrial use and export,” while clarifying that coking coal will not be offered under this route.