There has recently been widespread circulation in political circles and certain media outlets of claims that large quantities of coal have gone missing from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), amounting to a scam of approximately ₹1,600 crore. Amid mounting criticism that the management’s own figures reveal endless inconsistencies, Singareni’s management has responded to the controversy. It released an official statement firmly asserting that the media reports are entirely false and that there is no possibility whatsoever of coal going missing.
The management stated that all processes related to coal production, storage, transportation, and sales at Singareni are conducted with complete transparency. Senior officials from the company’s Operations division disclosed that every stage — from the moment coal is extracted from the mines to when it reaches the consumer — is recorded digitally. They made clear that the entire operation is carried out within a multi-layered security framework.
Of the coal produced at Singareni, approximately 85% is transported by rail and the remaining 15% by road. Coal allocations are managed through online systems such as the integrated SAP and Coal Net platforms. Officials explained that details including the identity of the consumer, the mine of origin, the quantity being dispatched, and the supply schedule are all recorded digitally in advance — making it possible to continuously track every tonne of coal.
Officials stated that the Planning division maintains strict surveillance over road transportation of coal. Every vehicle carrying coal is precisely weighed through electronic weighbridges. Additionally, the movement of trucks is monitored in real time through RFID-based boom barriers, GPS/GPRS tracking systems, and geo-fencing technology. They noted that if any vehicle deviates from its designated route, the system immediately detects it and alerts the central team.
Officials from the Transport division stated that loading and dispatch details for railway wagons are also recorded digitally. CCTV surveillance operates continuously at mines, coal handling plants, weighbridges, railway sidings, stockyards, and entry-exit points. In addition, the management clarified that round-the-clock surveillance is maintained through checkposts, dedicated flying squads, and security personnel, along with unannounced inspections and special security patrols conducted on a regular basis. The company therefore concluded that there is no room for any irregularities.