The Prakasam Khani Open Cast (PKOC) dip side coal block has been allocated to the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy announced in New Delhi. He congratulated employees, their families, trade union representatives and company officials, and described the allocation as a significant achievement for the company and the state. The announcement followed the completion of the auction for the Manuguru PKOC-2 dip side block.

The minister said that after SCCL secured the Naini coal block in Odisha and the Tadicherla 2 block, workers and union leaders had asked him to secure the PKOC-2 dip side block for the company. He said he had taken personal responsibility and made special efforts as a son of Telangana to secure the block for the welfare and future of Singareni. The ministry said the move aligned with efforts to support the region's industrial and employment prospects.

SCCL, the only coal-producing company in South India, will gain access to an estimated 180 mn t of coal reserves through the PKOC-2 block. The mine is expected to operate for close to 25 years and to produce around six mn t of coal annually, the ministry said, with operations projected to generate around 2,000 jobs. The company and state authorities were reported to be preparing for phased development of the site and related infrastructure.

The availability of high quality G-8 grade coal from the block is expected to generate more than Rs 430 bn in revenue, with the state government set to receive more than Rs 105 bn in income and overall benefits to the state estimated to exceed Rs 480 bn. Officials suggested that the allocation would strengthen Telangana's energy security and provide critical resources for the company's future expansion, while bringing wider benefits to the power sector and thousands of workers. The move was framed as reinforcing long term energy and economic planning for the state.