New Delhi: Coal India Limited (CIL) has significantly accelerated coal production and evacuation in September 2026, with its average daily production rising by 40% to 1.91 million tonnes (MT) on September 8 compared with the average recorded during the first three days of the month.
Daily coal supplies to the power sector also increased sharply to around 1.74 MT, compared with 1.37 MT during September 1–3. The improvement signals stronger operating momentum across CIL and its subsidiaries as weather-related constraints ease across major coal-producing regions.
Coal India Sees Sharp Rise in Daily Production and Supplies
The increase in production has been accompanied by stronger coal evacuation, allowing higher output to reach consuming sectors.
The key improvements include:
- Daily production: 1.91 MT on September 8
- Increase in daily production: 40% compared with the September 1–3 average
- Daily supplies to power sector: Around 1.74 MT
- Earlier daily power-sector supplies: 1.37 MT during September 1–3
The easing of weather-related challenges has helped mining, internal transportation and coal evacuation activities gather pace across major production regions.
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NCL Records Strong Recovery in Production and Evacuation
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a subsidiary of CIL that primarily supplies coal to power utilities in northern and central India, has recorded a particularly strong improvement in its operating performance.
NCL’s daily coal production increased by around 67%, while coal supplies rose by approximately 75% compared with the average levels recorded during September 1–3.
Railway evacuation also witnessed a substantial improvement.
Railway Rake Loading More Than Doubles
NCL’s average railway rake loading increased from 19 rakes per day to 41 rakes on September 8.
This represents an increase of more than 115%, reflecting a significant improvement in coal evacuation through the railway network.
The recovery has been supported by several measures, including:
- Restoration of internal mine roads
- Dewatering activities
- Closer coordination with railway authorities
- Better coordination with power-sector consumers
- Faster evacuation of produced coal
CIL Steps Up Measures to Strengthen Coal Supply
Coal India is deploying additional resources to accelerate overburden removal, mine-site transportation and coal production from available mining areas.
The company is also focusing on strengthening evacuation infrastructure so that increased production translates into higher supplies to consuming power plants.
CIL has offered power plants having Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs) with the company and its subsidiaries an option to lift additional coal. This includes quantities above their applicable annual contracted quantities.
The additional coal can be transported through road mode, alongside the existing rail transportation mechanism.
The measures are aimed at ensuring adequate coal availability for thermal power generation and maintaining reliable supplies to power stations.
Coal India Maintains Growth in Cumulative Coal Supplies
Despite operational challenges earlier in the year, CIL has maintained growth in its cumulative coal supplies.
During April-August 2026, Coal India supplied 322.90 MT of coal, registering a 6.70% increase compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.
The company also recorded year-on-year growth in coal supplies during August.
Key figures include:
- April-August 2026 supplies: 322.90 MT
- Year-on-year growth: 6.70%
- August 2026 supplies: 60.60 MT
- August year-on-year growth: 5.50%
- August supplies to power sector: 48.46 MT
- Power-sector supply growth: 4.5% year-on-year
Stronger September Momentum Supports Power Generation
The sharp rise in daily production and evacuation in September indicates stronger operating momentum across Coal India and its subsidiaries.
With mining and transportation activities gaining pace, sustained higher production and evacuation levels could help strengthen coal availability at thermal power plants.
The company’s focus on increasing production, expanding evacuation options and offering additional coal supplies is aimed at supporting reliable fuel availability for the country’s thermal power generation requirements.
About Coal India
Coal India Limited (CIL) is a Maharatna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. It is the world’s largest coal-producing company and operates through multiple subsidiaries across major coal-producing regions of India. CIL supplies coal primarily to the power sector and other key industries, supporting the country’s energy security and electricity generation.
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