Single Window Clearance System is the innovative endeavour of the Ministry of Coal conceptualized and launched on 11.01.2021 that facilitates obtaining clearances and approvals required for the smooth operationalization of coal mines in India as well as augmentation of coal production in the country through a single gateway. Various statutory provisions viz approval of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan, Grant of Mining Lease, Environment and Forest Clearances, Wild Life Clearance, Land Acquisition Module, Central Ground Water clearance, Consent to Establish, Consent to Operate etc. are pre-requisite for starting of a coal mine.

These clearances are being granted by various Central Ministries and State Government departments/agencies. This portal maps all the statutory clearances required (covering Central Ministries as well as State Government departments/agencies) for starting a coal mine. The portal is to map not only the relevant application formats but also map process flow for grant of the approval/clearances and integration with online portals through API.

To facilitate ease of doing business, a unified platform of SWCS is designed which includes an already operational module for approval of Mining plan and Mine closure plan in a time-bound manner. The Mining Plan module is live and helps the allottees to get the approval early as compared to the earlier offline process. The allottee can check the status of the application at each and every stage and the time of observation and compliance is limited to 15 days for both parties.

Ministry of Coal has also added in its kitty of SWCS i.e. Project Information & Management Module which was launched on 14.06.2022 and is live on the portal with screens PRIMS Agreement Form, Vested Clearances, Clearances, Amendments/Corrigendum, Production Target Form and Daily Production, Monthly Production report screens, Daily Production Reconciliation, Performance Bank Guarantee, Upfront payments, and Monthly Payments, etc. which is likely to facilitate project proponent as well as Ministry and State officials in monitoring and expeditious implementation of coal mines.

The Project Proponent in this module can submit the information related to the project as per CMDPA and Vesting Order. The form (PRIMS form) submitted by the allottee is verified by the Ministry officials at different levels and the movement of the application is visible to the proponent promoting transparency. Further, on approval of PRIMS form, the allottee can upload the Daily Production and dispatch data on the web portal, which helps to monitor the production and dispatch in a profound manner by the Ministry. Further, the allottee can also upload the Status of Clearances, Monthly payments, Performance Bank Guarantee etc. This module (PRIMS) also helps as the straight communication tool between the allottees and the Ministry and helps in the progress of the Mine efficiently to make it operationalize. Further, the provision is also made in the PRIMS module to make a request with the Ministry directly on the web portal for smooth disbursal of their issues in a timely manner.

Furthermore, digital acceptance of objections under Section 8 (1) of the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957 has been implemented and Development of 5 yearly Submission report of approved mining plan module is also under process.

Additionally, on 07.11.2024, the Ministry of Coal launched a module on the Single Window Clearance Web portal for processing and issuing Mine Opening Seam Opening Permissions, which are granted by the Coal Controller Organization. This initiative is designed to streamline and expedite the process of obtaining Mine Opening/Seam Opening Permissions for starting new coal mines or opening new coal seams. The digital platform enables project proponents to submit applications online, removing the need for manual paperwork and greatly reducing processing time. Applicants can also track the status of their applications in real time, promoting greater transparency and accountability throughout the clearance process. By simplifying this critical component of the coal mining regulatory framework, the Ministry of Coal aims to create a more efficient and investment-friendly environment within the industry.

SWCS has also been successfully integrated with the National Single Window System (NSWS) as part of the Digital India initiative. This integration enables seamless data exchange via APIs, allowing project proponents to register through NSWS. On 04.07.2025, the Ministry of Coal launched the Exploration Module on the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) portal, developed in collaboration with CMPDIL. This module marks the completion of the end-to-end digitalization of the coal exploration process. It enables online submission, vetting, and approval of exploration schemes and Geological Reports, including progress updates, compliance submissions, and final approvals, all through a single digital interface. With features such as real-time tracking, automated communication, structured timelines, and integrated dashboards, the system ensures faster decision-making and enhanced transparency. The Exploration Module replaces the earlier manual regime, significantly reducing delays and improving accountability. A training workshop held on 25.07.2025 further familiarized stakeholders with the workflow and encouraged its adoption. This milestone strengthens the Ministry’s commitment to transparent, efficient, and technology-driven governance. It also aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat and contributes to improved coal resource assessment, operational efficiency, and long-term energy security for the country. Integration with Parivesh 1.0 (MoEF and CC) for obtaining EC, FC, and WL had been completed earlier. With the upgrade of the portal to Parivesh 2.0, the integration with SWCS has now gone live on 09.11.2025 and is available for proponents. This enhancement offers improved functionality, a better user experience, and seamless exchange of key data fields from the SWCS web portal to the Parivesh portal. The upgraded integration will enable more efficient processing and management of environmental clearances, forest clearances, and wildlife approvals.