CCEA today approved allocation of coal linkages for non-regulated sectors only through auction. Power Minister Piyush Goyal said, 25 per cent of the coal production will be earmarked for non-regulated sectors through auctioning. Mr Goyal said, sectors which included in the non-regulated are Cement, Steel, Sponge Iron, Aluminum, and Others excluding Fertilizer sector. <br/><br/>He said, the framework attempts to make the coal available in a fair manner to end-users. The Minister said, proposed auction methodology leads to price through a market mechanism and it does not seek to maximize revenue. He said, it ensures that all market participants of non-regulated sector have a fair chance to coal linkage, irrespective of size.<br/><br/>The Union Cabinet has also approved setting up Joint Venture, JV, Companies between States and Railways to help speed up rail infrastructure projects. Piyush Goyal said, JV companies would be formed with equity participation of Ministry of Railways and concerned State Governments. Each Joint Venture to have initial paid-up capital of 100 crores rupees based on quantum of projects to be undertaken. JV need to ensure greater participation of State Governments in Railway Projects besides financial participation and decision-making, faster approvals.