Schemes and rules change. Treat this as an explanation, and check the current notice on the official portal before you act.
Besides long-term linkages, coal companies sell coal through online auctions. Coal India's current route is the Single Window Mode Agnostic e-auction, introduced under Ministry of Coal guidelines of 21 March 2022; auctions are held on authorised e-auction platforms such as MSTC's.
After payment is realised, the coal company issues the successful bidder a Sale / Delivery Order (SO/DO — often called SODO in the trade), which authorises lifting of that quantity from the specified source.
Lifting has to happen within the validity set in the auction terms. Under the CIL e-Auction Scheme 2022, lifting by road must be completed within 45 days of the Sale / Delivery Order being issued; rail has its own allotment and loading periods. Quantity not lifted in time can be forfeited under those terms — which is why buyers watch the lifting balance and validity days closely.
Auction schemes, eligibility and terms change from time to time. Always read the current scheme document and notices on the official portal before bidding.
What it means if you trade coal
For every auction you win, keep the SODO, the quantity, the grade, the validity date and what is still to lift in one place — and look at it every day in the last week of validity.
Sources
- OfficialMSTC — Coal e-auction
- OfficialCIL e-Auction Scheme 2022 (updated, effective 22.05.2025)
- CompanyCoal India Limited
Coal Boss explanation, based on the sources above. Last checked: 22 September 2026.
