New Delhi: Coal India Limited (CIL) marked its 51st Foundation Day on November 1, 2026, with a record-breaking performance in October. The state-owned coal producer registered its highest-ever monthly coal production and total coal supply, alongside a new monthly record for supplies to the power sector.
The October performance comes as the company enters its 52nd year of operations, highlighting its expanded production and supply capacity over five decades.
October 2026: Coal India Sets Three Monthly Records
Coal India achieved three major monthly milestones in October 2026, surpassing its previous records in production and coal dispatch.
The key figures include:
- Total coal supply: 70.3 million tonnes (MT), the highest monthly supply recorded by the company. The previous record was 69.4 MT in March 2026.
- Coal supply to the power sector: 57.1 MT, surpassing the earlier high of 56.5 MT recorded in May 2024.
- Coal production: 67.2 MT, exceeding the previous record of 62.47 MT achieved in October 2024.
Both total coal supply and power-sector supply registered year-on-year growth of 19%. Coal production also increased by 19% compared with October last year.
Railway Evacuation Reaches Record 310 Rakes Per Day
Coal India’s performance also extended to railway-based coal evacuation, a key component of moving coal from mines to consuming sectors.
During October, daily rake loading for the power sector reached 310 rakes, the highest-ever level recorded in any month. This surpassed the previous record of 302.8 rakes per day, achieved in March 2025.
The improvement in rake loading accompanied the company’s higher coal production and supply during the month.
From 79 MT to 768 MT: Coal India’s Five-Decade Growth
Established on November 1, 1975, Coal India began operations with an annual coal production of 79 MT in its first year.
Over the following five decades, its production capacity expanded substantially. In FY 2025–26, the company produced 768 MT of coal, representing an almost tenfold increase over its first-year output.
The company’s production target for FY 2026–27 has been set at 815 MT.
Coal India’s Production Journey
- First year of operations: 79 MT
- FY 2025–26: 768 MT
- FY 2026–27 target: 815 MT
Focus on Energy Security and Reliable Coal Supply
Coal India operates under the Ministry of Coal and remains a major contributor to India’s domestic coal production and supply chain.
The company has attributed its October performance to its continued focus on increasing production, improving coal evacuation and ensuring reliable supplies to meet the country’s energy requirements.
As it enters its 52nd year, Coal India has reiterated its commitment to building on its production growth and contributing to India’s energy security and national development.
Read Also: India’s Coal Imports Decline 5.83% to 104.57 MT in August 2026, Import Dependence Eases
