New Delhi: Indian Railways has achieved an all-time high record in coal loading, registering a 22.5 per cent growth in October 2026, up to October 18, compared with the same period of the previous year, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

Source: IANS via Hi India

Coal loading during this period increased by 87 rakes per day over October 2025, as part of the accelerated efforts to ensure reliable coal supplies to thermal power plants across the country, the statement said.

22.5%October coal-loading growth, to Oct 18
430coal rakes a day to power plants, H1 FY27
443rakes a day in September, vs 397 a year earlier

430 rakes a day through the first half

During the first half (H1) of FY 2026-27, Indian Railways dispatched an average of 430 coal rakes per day to thermal power plants, registering a 7.1 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year. The momentum continued in September 2026, when the average number of coal rakes supplied per day rose to 443, compared with 397 rakes per day in September 2025 — a daily increase of 14 per cent.

The sustained pace of coal transportation comes amid rising energy consumption and increased demand for coal-based power generation due to higher industrial production and deficient rainfall in some parts of the country, the statement said. Consistent coal evacuation has helped maintain steady coal stocks at thermal power plants, supporting reliable power generation.

Power-sector supplies also running above plan

The trend is consistent with Coal Ministry figures reported earlier this month: coal supply to the power sector averaged 2.49 million tonnes per day in October 1–10, against 2.21 million tonnes per day in September, with rakes loaded to the power sector averaging 469 per day, and coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants holding above 18 million tonnes.

Source: The Hindu BusinessLine

Indian Railways is working in close coordination with the Ministry of Coal to ensure efficient coal evacuation, and with the Ministry of Power to sustain coal transportation and supply, helping maintain adequate coal stocks at thermal power plants and meet the country's energy requirements, the statement added.