This is a small step that Coal India expects will go a long way in checking pilferage.

Trucks leaving mines with coal will be fitted with global positioning system (GPS) modules. Each consignment will have a radio-frequency identification (RFID) code (the magnetic strip attached to products in malls and retail stores.)

In a first, some 2,000 trucks will be brought under such monitoring in the Ranchi-based Central Coalfields (CCL), beginning this month. The project is also under implementation in the Sambalpur-based Mahanadi Coalfields (MCL).

Live monitoring

Both CCL and MCL are CIL’s mining arms.

“It will bring every consignment under live monitoring. If a truck makes any deviation from the scheduled route, exception reports will be automatically generated,” said a CCL official.

All trucks evacuating fuel from major mines will henceforth be asked to pass through a geo-fenced single entry/exit point, ensuring complete monitoring over the fleet and preventing entry of unauthorised vehicles.

Data discrepancy

Each weigh bridge will have RFID readers, so that even the smallest discrepancy in weight will be recorded.

“The idea is to remove human interference as much as possible and bring the entire fleet under a three-layered monitoring system spread out right from the mine area to the headquarters.

Any discrepancy in data will be screened at the headquarters, where IT engineers will be keeping a hawk’s eye on the monitoring system.

The project was originally scheduled for completion in 2013. CCL sources blame the vendor for the two-year delay.

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