16, Mar 2026
Skipper Limited Launches FlowSafe CPVC Pipes Made with TEMPRITE Technology Powered by Lubrizol
Mumbai, Mar 16th: Skipper Limited, a major piping solution producer in India, has announced the commercial introduction of Skipper FlowSafe® CPVC pipes created using TEMPRITE® Technology, powered by Lubrizol. The new product line introduces a world renowned CPVC material science in the Indian plumbing industry that is both safer, more durable and more functional in residential, commercial and infrastructure applications.
FlowSafe® CPVC pipes are manufactured using TEMPRITE® CPVC material from Lubrizol, the world-renowned standard in terms of reliability and performance in water delivery systems. The new range will satisfy the increasing need of plumbing solutions of high quality that can be used to provide safe drinking water, durable service and long-lasting in high temperature and pressure conditions.
With rising awareness around water quality and infrastructure reliability, the launch of FlowSafe® CPVC pipes reinforces the efforts of Skipper to offer hi-tech piping systems that guarantee cleaner water flow, robust plumbing systems and reduced life cycle maintenance expenses.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Siddharth Bansal, Director, Skipper Pipes, said: “The launch of Skipper FlowSafe® CPVC pipes, manufactured using Temprite® CPVC technology from Lubrizol, reinforces Skipper’s commitment to bringing global-standard plumbing solutions to the Indian market. By combining Lubrizol’s world-renowned CPVC technology with Skipper’s manufacturing excellence, we are introducing advanced piping systems designed to deliver superior safety, durability, and long-term performance. This initiative reinforces Skipper’s focus on raising quality benchmarks while meeting the evolving needs of modern homes and infrastructure.”
Lubrizol, the inventor and global pioneer of CPVC technology, has set benchmarks in plumbing material innovation with millions of installations worldwide across residential, commercial and industrial projects over the past six decades. Introduction of Temprite ® CPVC material in the product line of Skipper also enhances the capacity of the company to offer international standards of plumbing performance to the Indian population.
Key Advantages of FlowSafe® CPVC Pipes
Skipper FlowSafe® CPVC pipes offer several advantages that make them suitable for modern plumbing requirements:
- NSF-certified global-grade CPVC material for safe drinking water
- Corrosion-resistant and microbial-resistant properties for hygienic water distribution
- 100% lead-free composition ensuring safer water supply
- Superior heat and pressure resistance for reliable long-term performance
- Low maintenance and longer lifecycle, making it a sustainable plumbing solution
With the launch of FlowSafe® CPVC pipes, Skipper aims to strengthen its presence in the fast-growing polymer pipes market by offering premium technology-driven plumbing solutions for households, builders and infrastructure projects across India.
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- By Neel Achary
16, Mar 2026
Metro Momentum: How India’s Rail Expansion Is Transforming Urban Mobility
Pic Credit: Pexel
India’s cities are in the midst of a quiet but transformative mobility revolution. Beneath busy streets and along rising elevated corridors, metro rail systems are reshaping the daily movement of millions of people. What was once limited to a few major metropolitan areas has rapidly expanded into a nationwide urban transport strategy.
Over the past decade, metro rail development has emerged as one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives in India’s urban history. As cities grapple with population growth, traffic congestion, and environmental challenges, mass rapid transit systems are increasingly being seen as the backbone of sustainable urban mobility.
More than just a transportation solution, the metro boom is redefining how cities function—improving economic efficiency, easing financial pressure on households, and helping urban centers move toward a cleaner and more organized future.
A Decade of Rapid Expansion
India’s metro network has expanded dramatically since 2014, reflecting a major policy shift toward modern public transport infrastructure. In this period, 38 metro rail projects covering about 1,051 kilometres have been sanctioned, representing an estimated investment of ₹3.44 lakh crore.
Government support for metro infrastructure has also grown significantly. Annual allocations for metro rail projects have risen from ₹5,798 crore in 2013–14 to nearly ₹29,550 crore in 2025–26, highlighting the scale of commitment to transforming urban transport systems.
The results of this investment are increasingly visible across the country. Metro services now operate in over two dozen Indian cities, compared to only a handful a decade ago. New lines, extensions, and construction projects continue to expand connectivity, linking residential areas with business districts, educational institutions, and commercial hubs.
This rapid expansion has positioned India among the fastest-growing metro rail markets in the world.
Reducing the Cost of Urban Living
While metro systems are often celebrated for engineering and infrastructure achievements, their most meaningful impact can be seen in the everyday lives of urban commuters.
Transportation is a major expense for many city households. Dependence on private vehicles, taxis, and auto-rickshaws can make commuting costly and unpredictable. Metro rail systems offer a reliable and affordable alternative, significantly reducing daily travel costs.
For millions of commuters, metro travel provides a stable and economical means of transportation. The predictability of fares and travel times allows families to better manage their monthly budgets.
Time savings are another crucial benefit. Faster travel means workers spend less time stuck in traffic and more time at home, at work, or pursuing personal activities. In this way, metro connectivity not only improves mobility but also enhances quality of life.
Moreover, efficient transit expands access to employment opportunities. Workers can travel across longer distances quickly, allowing them to seek better jobs in different parts of the city without relocating.
Fueling Urban Economic Growth
Metro rail networks are increasingly becoming powerful drivers of urban economic development.
Large-scale construction projects generate employment and stimulate demand in industries such as steel, cement, engineering, and technology. The economic ripple effects extend far beyond the transportation sector.
Once operational, metro corridors often become focal points for new commercial and residential development. Retail centers, office spaces, and housing projects frequently emerge around stations, creating vibrant economic zones.
Urban planners are also embracing transit-oriented development, which encourages high-density mixed-use neighborhoods near metro stations. This model promotes efficient land use, reduces dependence on private vehicles, and strengthens urban economic ecosystems.
Improved connectivity benefits businesses as well. Companies gain access to a larger workforce, while customers can reach commercial districts more easily.
Advancing Environmental Sustainability
India’s urban areas face growing environmental challenges, particularly rising air pollution and traffic congestion. Metro rail systems play an important role in addressing these concerns.
Unlike most road transport, metro trains operate on electric power and produce significantly fewer emissions. As more commuters shift from cars and motorcycles to metro systems, cities benefit from reduced fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Fewer vehicles on the road also mean less congestion, improved traffic flow, and quieter urban environments.
These environmental advantages align with broader national goals of building sustainable cities and reducing carbon emissions. In this context, metro systems are not only transport infrastructure but also key components of India’s climate and sustainability strategy.
The Future of Urban Mobility
Despite impressive progress, India’s metro journey is still evolving. With urban populations continuing to grow rapidly, the demand for efficient public transport will only increase.
Future development will likely focus on expanding metro coverage, improving integration with buses and suburban rail networks, and strengthening last-mile connectivity through shared mobility and electric transport options.
Innovative transit models designed for smaller cities are also being introduced, ensuring that modern rapid transit systems are not limited to major metropolitan centers.
At the same time, technological advancements such as integrated ticketing systems and smart mobility cards are helping create seamless travel experiences across multiple transport modes.
Reimagining Indian Cities
The rapid rise of metro rail systems represents far more than an infrastructure expansion. It reflects a broader transformation in how India imagines the future of its cities.
Efficient public transport has the potential to reshape urban lifestyles—reducing commute times, improving air quality, and making cities more accessible for millions of residents.
Metro networks influence patterns of development, guide the growth of neighborhoods, and strengthen the economic vitality of urban centers.
As new lines continue to emerge across the country, metro rail is gradually redefining the pace and structure of urban life in India.
In many ways, the metro revolution is not just about trains and tracks—it is about building cities that are smarter, greener, and better connected for the generations to come. 🚇🏙️
16, Mar 2026
Students showcase path-breaking AI Innovations during AI-Craft 3.1, at Amity
Amity Centre of Artificial Intelligence (ACAI) at Amity University, Noida organized the third edition of the National Level Project , Poster Competition and PhD Symposium in Artificial Intelligence, titled AI–Craft 3.1 (Artificial Intelligence Competition for Research and Future Technologies). AI–Craft 3.1 provided a platform for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students to present projects, technical posters, and innovative concepts related to artificial intelligence, in the area of machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, large language models, generative AI, and other emerging AI applications. The event brought together students, researchers, and innovators from different parts of the country to present their work and ideas in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
The competition received a tremendous response from institutions across India and after a screening process conducted by the organizing committee, 94 teams were shortlisted to present their projects and research during the final round including Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Aligarh Muslim University, University of Jammu, and IIIT Bhagalpur.
Lauding the students’ innovations, Dr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor Amity University Uttar Pradesh stated, “Amity University is committed to empowering every student with AI and modern technologies, since it is the need of the hour. We have always encouraged students to develop path–breaking innovations so that their innovations can be patented and used for societal benefit, thereby contributing to Viksit Bharat.”
A student of Amity University, Anand Atreya (B. Tech 4th year), has developed a unique Mood Detection System, Shravan AI, which is a voice companion and talks to elders reducing loneliness with human-like voice. It also helps elders who forget directions and fail to recognize their family members. It detects falls instantly, alerts caregivers and also detects stress or sadness, responding with music or conversation.
Another path–breaking innovation was Smart AI and IoT-based System for Intelligent Plant Disease Detection and Precision Pesticide Spraying, developed by Suman Mandal, a student of BTech AI. Manual disease detection is slow, expensive and not practical for small farmers. The innovation uses AI and IoT to detect plant diseases and enable precision spraying, reducing chemical wastage, lowering costs and promoting sustainable farming.
Tanvi Saraswat, a student of BCA has developed “VANI -Voice-enabled conversational humanoid Robot”, which responds to all kinds of questions, using Grok AI. It is also very helpful for the students, since they can ask “VAANI” for information on any topic.
The other projects included “AEGIS X, Adaptive Explainable Ground-Integrated Surveillance URV”, “Embedded and AI Enabled System for Automated Automobile Electrical Accessories Testing” developed by the students of Banasthali Vidyapith (Rajasthan), “ARES: Autonomous Robot for Environmental Safety”, amongst many others.
Encouraging the participants, Mr. Shibhu KT, Co-founder and CEO, IRA Strive, opined, “The present era is the era of AI, where it is being used in every field. Students must focus on identifying a problem around them and then work towards finding a solution to that problem through AI. They must think out-of-the-box and develop novel solutions and change the world.”
Prof. M.K. Dutta, Director, Amity Centre for Artificial Intelligence stated, “The youth of the country are very bright and intelligent, and the young minds are filled with new ideas and concepts, which lead to developing path–breaking innovations. Through initiatives such as AI Craft, Amity University continues to support students and researchers working on new ideas and technological advancements in AI.”
Outstanding entries were recognized during the prize distribution ceremony. The winners received cash awards of ₹50,000 for the first prize, ₹25,000 for the second prize, and ₹10,000 for the third prize along with certificates. All participants were also given certificates of participation.
16, Mar 2026
Sheraton Hyderabad Brings Karaikudi’s Boldest Table to the City
Hyderabad, Mar 16 This March, Sheraton Hyderabad is turning up the heat, quite literally. Feast, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, will host the Karaikudi Food Festival from March 18 – 22, 2026, bringing one of India’s most distinctive and least-diluted regional cuisines to the heart of the city. At the helm is Chef Athi Lakshmi, a home chef from Madurai whose cooking is as rooted in tradition as the recipes themselves.
There are few cuisines in India as unapologetically bold and layered as the food from Karaikudi. Nestled in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, Karaikudi is the cultural heart of the Chettiar community, a merchant clan historically known for their trade routes, grand mansions, and, above all, their extraordinary food. Chettinad cooking is defined by a generous hand with freshly ground spices like kalpasi (black stone flower), marathi mokku (dried flower pods), star anise, pepper, and sesame oil, many of which are native to the region and rarely found in other Indian cuisines. The result is food that is deeply aromatic, layered in heat and fragrance and unlike anything that can be replicated with shortcuts.
Chef Athi Lakshmi carries that philosophy into everything she cooks. Deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of South Tamil Nadu, she has spent years mastering the bold gravies, hand-pounded masalas, and slow-cooked preparations that define this cuisine. For her, cooking is not just about feeding people.
“For me, food has never been just nourishment. Every dish I cook is a celebration of culture, of tradition, of love. I want every plate at Hyderabad to carry that same authenticity and pride,” says Chef Athi Lakshmi.
At Feast, guests can expect a spread that does full justice to the Karaikudi table: Chettinad Chicken, Karaikudi Mutton Chops, Kola Urundai, Pepper Crab, Kuzhi Paniyaram, Vazhai Poo Vadai, and a traditional Chettinad Vegetable Curry served alongside rice and dosa. The restaurant will be dressed in a Karaikudi-themed setup with think textures, colours, and details that draw from the region’s visual identity, making the experience as atmospheric as it is delicious.
For a cuisine that has quietly influenced Indian cooking for centuries without ever quite getting the spotlight it deserves, this festival is a long overdue moment. Hyderabad, a city that takes its food seriously, is perhaps the perfect stage for it.
15, Mar 2026
Delhi a ‘Mini India’ that celebrates diversity, says CM Rekha Gupta at Odisha Parba
New Delhi, Mar 15: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday described the national capital as a “Mini India” that warmly embraces people from every state, while attending the second day of Odisha Parba at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Addressing the gathering, Gupta said the city reflects the country’s cultural diversity and acknowledged the contributions of the Odia community to Delhi’s social and cultural life.
“Delhi, often called a ‘Mini India’, warmly embraces people from every state, and the Odia community has enriched the city’s cultural fabric. Odisha Parba being celebrated with such grandeur in Delhi reflects how deeply the Odia community remains connected to its roots and cultural traditions. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to everyone celebrating this wonderful festival,” she said.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, who also attended the event, said the festival offers a vibrant glimpse of Odisha’s culture and highlights the creativity of its artisans.
“It is a privilege to be present at Odisha Parba for the first time, and the atmosphere here truly makes one feel as if we are in Odisha itself. The festival beautifully showcases Odisha’s culture, traditions, handicrafts and cuisine, and highlights the contributions of artisans, especially women. Such initiatives strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by bringing people closer to the diverse cultural heritage of our country,” she said.
The three-day festival was inaugurated a day earlier in the presence of Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Delhi Minister Ashish Sood and other dignitaries.
The second day of the event featured traditional Odia dance and music performances, exhibitions of handloom and handicrafts, and food stalls serving popular Odia dishes such as Kataka Dahibara and Jagannath Mahaprasad.
The festival also includes “Pratibha Utsava,” a talent platform for emerging artists, and a series of seminars titled “Talk Today, Transform Tomorrow.”
Organised by the Odia Samaj of New Delhi, Odisha Parba is an annual cultural festival celebrating the heritage, cuisine, handloom and handicrafts of Odisha.
The festival began on Friday and will conclude on Sunday at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
15, Mar 2026
Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April
FIA Statement
It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April.
While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April. The FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times.
The decision has been taken in full consultation with Formula One Group, local promoters and our Member Clubs in the region.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind.
“We continue to hope for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events.
“Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow. My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision.”
Stefano Domenicali, Formula One Group President and CEO, said: “While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, said: “We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns.
“On behalf of all of us at BIC, I take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to all those in the F1 community who have taken the time to send us messages of support.”
HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Chairman of the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), said: “The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar.
“Fans across the Kingdom were once again looking forward to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this April, but we understand the considerations behind this decision and remain in close partnership with Formula 1.”
15, Mar 2026
PM Mudra Yojana Offers Collateral-Free Loans up to Rs.20 Lakh to Small Entrepreneurs
New Delhi: The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), launched in 2015 to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, provides collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh through banks and financial institutions, the government informed Parliament.
According to information provided by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), the scheme was launched on April 8, 2015, to extend credit support to small enterprises engaged in manufacturing, trading, services and agriculture-allied activities. Loans under the scheme are provided by Member Lending Institutions, including Scheduled Commercial Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies and Micro Finance Institutions.
Individuals with viable business plans for small enterprises are eligible to apply for loans under the scheme. The loans are categorised into four segments based on the amount required.
Under the Shishu category, loans of up to ₹50,000 are provided, while the Kishor category covers loans above ₹50,000 and up to ₹5 lakh. The Tarun category offers loans above ₹5 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh.
To encourage successful borrowers, the government introduced a new category called Tarun Plus from October 24, 2024. Under this category, entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid their earlier loans under the Tarun category can avail collateral-free loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh.
The scheme has played an important role in supporting small businesses, traditional enterprises, handicrafts and agriculture-allied activities. It has also helped women entrepreneurs who often face challenges in accessing credit due to lack of collateral or credit history.
To simplify the loan application process and ensure timely disbursal, the government has also launched digital platforms such as the Jan Samarth portal, which integrates multiple credit-linked schemes and enables applicants to apply for loans through a self-service or assisted process.
This information was provided by Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on March 12, 2026.
15, Mar 2026
MSME Ministry Completes 364 MSE-CDP Projects; SFURTI Scheme Strengthens Traditional Industry Clusters
New Delhi: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has completed 364 projects under the Micro and Small Enterprises–Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP), aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness of micro and small enterprises across the country.
The MSE-CDP scheme focuses on establishing Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and creating or upgrading infrastructure facilities in existing industrial clusters. These initiatives provide financial support to improve technology access, production capacity and overall efficiency of micro and small enterprises.
Since the inception of the scheme, a total of 606 projects have been approved by the Ministry. Of these, 364 projects have been completed while 242 projects are currently under implementation.
Meanwhile, the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) has also made significant progress in promoting cluster-based development and strengthening traditional industries.
According to the Ministry, 513 clusters have been approved across the country since 2015-16 under the SFURTI scheme, with a total committed assistance of ₹1,332.95 crore from the Government of India. These clusters are expected to benefit around 3.03 lakh traditional artisans engaged in sectors such as handicrafts, handloom, agro-processing, coir, honey and other related activities.
Out of the total clusters approved, 378 clusters are currently functional, while 135 clusters are at different stages of implementation.
Officials said the initiative has contributed to infrastructure development, skill enhancement, value addition and improved market linkages for traditional artisans at the grassroots level.
The schemes are part of the government’s broader efforts to promote rural entrepreneurship, strengthen traditional industries and generate sustainable livelihoods for artisans across the country.
15, Mar 2026
Education Ministry Holds Interactive Workshop with Union Territories in New Delhi
New Delhi: The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education organised a one-day interactive workshop with representatives from Union Territories on March 13, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
The workshop brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Education, representatives from various ministries and departments, and officials from all Union Territories to deliberate on key administrative, financial and legal issues related to school education.
Secretary, DoSEL, Sanjay Kumar inaugurated the workshop and emphasised the importance of regular engagement with Union Territories to strengthen coordination and improve the implementation of education programmes. He highlighted the need to fill vacancies in teaching and non-teaching positions in a timely manner, strengthen academic institutions such as State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and State Institutes of Education (SIEs), and ensure prompt responses to parliamentary matters and financial proposals.
Economic Advisor, DoSEL, A. Srija outlined the context of the workshop and noted that the platform would enable Union Territories to exchange ideas and address operational challenges in the education sector.
During the inaugural session, Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Dheeraj Sahu spoke about the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and improving administrative efficiency across Union Territories. Ajay Gupta, Joint Secretary in the Department of Legal Affairs, addressed key issues related to handling litigation and court cases.
Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, emphasised that all schools in the Union Territories should be affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Bhupal Nanda, Principal Chief Controller of Accounts in the Ministry of Education, highlighted matters related to financial management and accounting systems.
The technical sessions covered several important topics including the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, educational indicators and data reporting for evidence-based policy formulation, onboarding of Union Territories with legislatures onto the SNA-SPARSH platform, and strengthening digital financial management systems.
The sessions also highlighted the role of the Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS) in monitoring court cases and addressed procurement-related issues on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal to improve transparency and efficiency in government procurement.
Representatives from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, and Delhi made presentations on issues including court cases, vacancies in teaching and non-teaching positions including special educators, vacancies in SCERTs, DIETs and SIEs, release of funds under Samagra Shiksha, submission of annual reports and audited accounts, parliamentary matters, and challenges faced while using the GeM portal.
The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion and a summary of key takeaways. The deliberations reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Education and the Union Territories to strengthen coordination, enhance institutional capacity, and ensure effective implementation of school education initiatives to improve learning outcomes across the Union Territories.
15, Mar 2026
Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Key Projects, Reviews Operations at WCL
Nagpur: Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, currently on a two-day visit to Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure and development projects while reviewing the company’s operational performance.
During the programme on Friday, the Minister virtually flagged off 25 electric vehicles aimed at supporting cleaner and more efficient operations within the organisation. He also laid the foundation stones for three major projects: the Black Diamond Sports Stadium in the Kamptee area of Nagpur, the Swami Vivekananda Eco Park in Tadali in Wani area, and a First Mile Connectivity (FMC) Project at the Sasti Open Cast Mine in the Ballarpur area.
The projects are expected to strengthen regional infrastructure, promote environmental sustainability, and modernise coal mining operations.
Following the inauguration, the Union Minister conducted a detailed review meeting on WCL’s performance, focusing on coal production, safety measures, sustainable development initiatives, environmental protection, and upcoming projects.
Praising the work culture and performance of the organisation, Reddy commended Team WCL for its achievements and expressed confidence that the company would deliver even stronger results in the current financial year. He also discussed WCL’s role in the evolving landscape of the coal industry.
During the meeting, WCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Harish Duhan presented a detailed overview of the company’s achievements during the financial year 2025–26.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, B. Sairam, Chairman of Coal India Limited, along with other senior officers from the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, and WCL.
As part of his visit, the Union Minister will also inspect the ongoing mine closure process at the Murpar underground mine on March 14, 2026. He is scheduled to hold a meeting with the District Collector and members of the Mine Closure Advisory Committee (MCAC).
Representatives from WCL’s Mine Closure team, non-governmental organisations, consultants, and members of local villages are expected to participate in the meeting to discuss issues related to mine closure and rehabilitation.
