Indian Railways has set an all-time high record in coal loading, achieving a significant 22.5% year-on-year growth for the period up to 18th October 2026 compared to the same period in October 2025. This performance translates to an increase of 87 coal rakes dispatched per day over the previous year's levels. The strong momentum in coal transportation has been sustained throughout the first half of fiscal year 2026-27, with an average of 430 coal rakes dispatched daily to thermal power plants, representing a 7.1% growth over the corresponding period last year. The record performance continued in September 2026, when coal rake dispatches increased by 14% per day compared to September 2025.
The increased coal transportation efforts come amid rising energy consumption across the country and increased demand for coal-based power generation, driven by higher industrial production and deficient rainfall in some regions. This consistent coal evacuation has been crucial in maintaining steady coal stocks at thermal power plants, thereby supporting reliable power generation nationwide. Indian Railways is working in close coordination with the Ministry of Coal to ensure efficient coal evacuation from mines and with the Ministry of Power to sustain coal transportation and supply operations. This inter-ministerial coordination aims to maintain adequate coal stocks at thermal power plants and meet the country's growing energy requirements effectively.