First-ever coal rake from Odisha’s Naini block reaches Singareni Thermal Power Plant

The first coal rake from SCCL's Naini coal mine in Odisha reached the Singareni Thermal Power Plant at Jaipur, marking a significant milestone. Officials said the mine would strengthen Telangana's long-term energy security and ensure a steady coal supply for decades.

Mancherial: A coal rake from SCCL’s Naini coal mine in Odisha arrived at the Singareni Thermal Power Plant (STPP) at Jaipur for the first time on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the history of the coal major.

SCCL officials said the rake travelled 1,131 km, carrying nearly 4,000 tonnes of premium coal excavated from the mine located outside Telangana. A festive atmosphere prevailed at the STPP on the arrival of the first-ever rake. Officials termed the occasion a major step towards strengthening Telangana’s long-term energy security.

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Officials said the Naini block has 348.78 million tonnes of coal reserves. The SCCL will mine 10 lakh tonnes of coal per annum. The minimum life of the mine is 36 years, while the coal quality is classified as G-10 grade. The mine is expected to be a major source of coal for the STPP and Telangana’s power sector for decades to come.

The Ministry of Coal allotted the Naini coal block to the SCCL in 2015. However, the project could not take off due to delays in obtaining statutory clearances. The State government held consultations with Odisha and helped the SCCL secure the required approvals. The coal major subsequently managed to excavate coal from the block and transport it to the STPP.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, in a video message, congratulated the officials of the SCCL on the arrival of the rake. He termed the arrival of the first Naini coal rake a historic occasion in the history of the SCCL. He said the State government would continue extending full support for the expansion and strengthening of the SCCL.