Black Gold, New Chemistry: The Rise of Kalmeshwar’s Coal Hub

The Maharashtra State Cabinet has approved the allocation of approximately 290 acres of land in Linga village, Kalmeshwar taluka, for the development of coal-to-chemical projects.

The land will be utilised for coal gasification, a process that converts coal into synthesis gas (syngas) and value-added derivatives such as hydrogen. The Adani Group has announced plans to set up a ₹70,000 crore coal gasification plant at the site, with work expected to commence later this year. During a visit to Nagpur for the Advantage Vidarbha Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav, Adani Airports Director Jeet Adani stated that the company is preparing to launch the project shortly. While the business entity will have possession rights over the land, ownership will remain with the government.

The state government is actively promoting coal gasification initiatives and has earmarked ₹8,500 crore as viability gap funding to support such projects. Additionally, four more coal gasification projects are planned in the Vidarbha region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.