BRS MP Ravichandra urges Centre’s support to strengthen SCCL

BRS MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra urged the Centre to support SCCL, citing disruption of coal production due to rains, pending project approvals and financial stress. He stressed the need for clearing dues, addressing workers’ concerns and strengthening the company’s expansion and sustainability plans

New Delhi: BRS Parliamentary Party Deputy Leader and Rajya Sabha member Vaddiraju Ravichandra on Thursday urged the Centre to extend full cooperation in strengthening Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), citing its vast potential to meet the country’s rising energy needs.

Making a Zero Hour mention in the House, he raised key concerns related to SCCL, including coal production, pending approvals, expansion plans and financial sustainability.

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He explained that heavy rains and floods had disrupted coal mining and transportation, leading to interruptions in thermal power generation. This had hampered production targets, making it unlikely for SCCL to achieve the projected 72 million metric tonnes in the 2025–26 financial year. He also pointed out that crucial project approvals, including those for the Kothagudem VKC, Jawahar Khani (JKOCP) opencast mine and the Gundala–Illandu initiatives, were still pending with the Centre.

Ravichandra urged immediate action to address these challenges and provide necessary support to help SCCL overcome its difficulties. He stressed that the release of outstanding dues from various States would improve SCCL’s financial stability. He added that coal workers were concerned about the possible withdrawal of the Centre’s 49 per cent stake in the company, and noted that SCCL officials were seeking incentives on par with those offered by Coal India.

“SCCL is committed to prioritising safety, efficiency and environmental balance,” Ravichandra said.