HYDERABAD: The virtual inauguration of the Naini coal mine in Odisha marked a historic chapter in the 136-year history of the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), as it became the first time the state-run enterprise began operations outside Telangana.
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Finance and Energy, Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, who presided over the virtual launch from Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule Praja Bhavan on Wednesday, said the commencement of operations at the Naini mine symbolised Singareni’s foray into global expansion.
He stated that while the block had been allotted to Singareni nine years ago, delays in obtaining necessary approvals had hindered its launch. However, after the formation of the new government last year, he and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy made concerted efforts with the Union Ministry of Coal to secure the required permissions.
Vikramarka said the timely launch of the project within a year of the government assuming office reflected its commitment to Singareni’s development. He noted that the Naini coal block marked the first major step in Singareni’s expansion beyond Telangana, with plans to further extend operations to other states and even countries, ultimately positioning itself as a global entity.
He extended his gratitude to Union Minister for Coal Kishan Reddy, Union Minister from Odisha Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, local MLA Agasti Behera, and other public representatives for their support in launching the project.
Commitment to Angul’s development
Recalling his visit to Odisha in July last year, Vikramarka reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the overall development of the Angul region. He emphasised that Singareni, as a public sector undertaking, was not solely driven by commercial motives but also operated with a sense of social responsibility.
He announced that plans were underway to establish a 1,600 MW thermal power plant near Naini, aimed at boosting employment opportunities in the region. He appealed to the Odisha government to support land acquisition for the proposed project.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged that Singareni should set a benchmark in managing the mine, as this was the company’s first coal excavation project outside the state. He also conveyed special greetings on behalf of the people of Telangana and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to the people of Odisha.
Historic milestone for Singareni
Energy Department Special Chief Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania described the launch of the Naini coal mine as a historic occasion, stating that it would significantly contribute to Singareni’s growth.
Local MLA Agasti Behera, who attended the event in person at Naini, expressed his happiness over the launch and pledged full support for the project. He requested cooperation for the development of Angul and extended his congratulations to Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Singareni CMD.
Presiding over the ceremony at Naini, Singareni CMD N. Balaram acknowledged the crucial role played by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka in ensuring the project’s commencement. He affirmed that under the guidance of the state government, the company would also initiate the proposed thermal power plant and undertake further development and expansion programmes.
From Praja Bhavan, the event was attended by Transco CMD Krishna Bhaskar, OSD Surender Reddy, and Singareni ED (Coal Movement) SDM Subhani. At Naini, Singareni Directors LV Suryanarayana and K. Venkateswarlu, along with Naini GM T. Srinivas Rao and others, participated in the inaugural programme.
A historic milestone for Telangana Singareni!
Virtually inaugurated the Singareni Naini Coal Block in Odisha,
Singareni’s first project outside the state, marking its national expansion.Grateful to Odisha CM @MohanMOdisha , Union Ministers @kishanreddybjp &… pic.twitter.com/LYwkZyGGGc
— Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu (@Bhatti_Mallu) April 16, 2025
