Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has initiated a pioneering pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block situated in Jharkhand's Jamtara district. This innovative endeavor is part of the Ministry of Coal's strategic initiative to promote coal gasification projects. The project's objective is to convert coal in-situ into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, which can be further utilized in producing synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks, fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and other industrial applications. The Ministry of Coal has recognized the potential of coal gasification projects in transforming coal into high-value chemical products and has approved a comprehensive policy framework for UCG in coal and lignite-bearing areas. This initiative highlights India's commitment to utilizing advanced coal gasification technologies, positioning the country as a leader in this domain. The collaboration between ECL, CMPDI Ranchi, and Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI) from Canada underscores the project's international dimension. The project, funded by the CIL R&D Board, is set to span two years and is structured into two phases. The first phase, initiated on June 22, 2024, focuses on preparing a Technical Feasibility Report through borehole drilling and core testing. The subsequent phase will concentrate on coal gasification at a pilot scale, aiming to demonstrate the practical application of UCG technology tailored to Indian geo-mining conditions. With the successful execution of this project, India anticipates creating new opportunities in the energy sector by showcasing the sustainable and efficient utilization of coal resources. This endeavor not only signifies a major milestone for CIL and its subsidiaries but also represents a significant step towards transforming the coal industry and contributing to the production of high-value chemical products.