CM Fadnavis joins Coal Ministry roadshow on gasification in Mumbai
Synopsis
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Satish Chandra Dubey at a Mumbai roadshow on 18 June 2026 to promote surface coal and lignite gasification, touring stalls and receiving briefings on the technology as part of India's push toward its 2030 coal gasification target.
Key Takeaways
CM Devendra Fadnavis attended a coal and lignite gasification roadshow in Mumbai on 18 June 2026 .
Kishan Reddy and Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey of the Ministry of Coal co-participated in the event.
The roadshow aimed to promote surface coal and lignite gasification technologies to industry stakeholders.
India has a national target to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030 under the National Coal Gasification Mission .
Maharashtra's participation signals state-level alignment with central energy security and import-substitution goals.
Follow-up project proposals or MoUs for gasification plants in Maharashtra are expected to be watched closely.
The Chief Minister's Office of Maharashtra announced on Thursday, 18 June 2026 that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey at a roadshow in Mumbai organised to promote surface coal and lignite gasification, where he toured various stalls and received a briefing on the coal gasification process.
Context
The roadshow, hosted in Mumbai, brought together central and state leadership to spotlight coal gasification as a viable domestic energy solution. The post, shared by the official Chief Minister's Office account, noted that Fadnavis 'सरफेस कोल / लिग्नाइट गॅसिफिकेशनला प्रोत्साहन देण्यासाठी' ('to promote surface coal and lignite gasification') inspected stalls and gathered information on the gasification process alongside the two Union Ministers.
The Ministry of Coal, represented by Kishan Reddy and Dubey, organised the event as part of a broader outreach effort to build industry and state-government awareness around gasification technologies.
Policy Backdrop
India announced in 2020 a national target to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030, aiming to cut dependence on imported natural gas and oil. The Ministry of Coal subsequently launched the National Coal Gasification Mission framework around 2021 to support surface and underground gasification projects across states.
Coal gasification converts coal into syngas — a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and other gases — which can feed fertiliser plants, chemical industries and fuel production. Promoting lignite gasification is particularly relevant for states with domestic lignite reserves, reducing the need for costlier hydrocarbon imports.
Stakeholders and Impact
Maharashtra's participation in the roadshow signals state-level alignment with central energy security goals. As one of India's most industrialised states, Maharashtra's engagement could accelerate investment proposals for gasification plants that serve its energy-intensive manufacturing sector.
Coal industry players, energy companies and chemical manufacturers stand to benefit if the roadshow translates into concrete project pipelines or incentive frameworks. The event also underscores the BJP-led state government's coordination with the Union government on energy policy ahead of potential project announcements.
What's Next
Observers will watch for follow-up project proposals or memoranda of understanding for gasification facilities in Maharashtra, as well as any revised incentive schemes the Coal Ministry may announce in coming months. The roadshow format — combining stall exhibitions with ministerial walkthroughs — suggests an intent to move from policy articulation to active industry mobilisation.
If Maharashtra moves to formalise partnerships with gasification technology providers, it could become a template for other industrialised states seeking to align with India's 2030 coal gasification target.
Point of View
The event moves the conversation from policy documents to on-ground industry engagement. How quickly Maharashtra converts this visibility into signed projects will determine whether the roadshow marks a turning point or remains symbolic.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is coal gasification and why is India promoting it?
Coal gasification converts coal into syngas — a mix of hydrogen and carbon monoxide — that can be used to produce fertilisers, chemicals and fuels. India is promoting it to reduce dependence on expensive imported natural gas and oil, with a national target to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.
What happened at the Mumbai coal gasification roadshow on 18 June 2026?
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey at a roadshow in Mumbai organised by the Ministry of Coal to promote surface coal and lignite gasification, where he toured exhibition stalls and received briefings on the technology.
What is the National Coal Gasification Mission?
The National Coal Gasification Mission is a framework launched by the Ministry of Coal around 2021 to support surface and underground gasification projects across Indian states, aligned with the government's 2030 target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal.
What is lignite gasification?
Lignite gasification applies the gasification process to lignite, a lower-rank form of coal, converting it into syngas for industrial use. It is particularly relevant for states with domestic lignite deposits as it can substitute for imported hydrocarbons.
What are the expected next steps after the Mumbai roadshow?
Observers are watching for follow-up project proposals, memoranda of understanding for gasification plants in Maharashtra, and any revised incentive schemes from the Ministry of Coal that could formalise the state's participation in India's coal gasification programme.
