New Delhi: Indian Railways has achieved an all-time high in coal loading during October 2026, recording a 22.5% increase up to October 18 compared with the corresponding period last year. The achievement reflects the Railways’ continued efforts to ensure a reliable coal supply to thermal power plants and meet the country’s growing energy requirements.
During the period, Indian Railways dispatched 87 more coal rakes per day than in the corresponding period of October 2025, marking a significant improvement in coal transportation.
The growth follows strong performance during the first half (H1) of the financial year 2026-27. Indian Railways dispatched an average of 430 coal rakes per day to thermal power plants during this period, registering a 7.1% increase over the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
The upward trend also continued in September 2026, when daily coal rake dispatches increased by 14% compared with September 2025.
Indian Railways Increases Coal Transportation to Meet Power Demand
The increase in coal loading and transportation comes amid rising energy consumption across the country. Higher industrial production and deficient rainfall in some parts of India have contributed to increased demand for coal-based power generation.
To meet this demand, Indian Railways has maintained a sustained pace of coal transportation, helping ensure the movement of coal from production centres to thermal power plants.
The record loading performance in October highlights the importance of railway freight operations in supporting the country’s power sector and maintaining a steady supply of fuel for electricity generation.
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Coal Rake Dispatches Rise 7.1% in H1 FY 2026-27
Indian Railways recorded consistent growth in coal transportation during the first half of FY 2026-27.
Key performance figures include:
- October 2026 coal loading: 22.5% growth up to October 18 compared with the same period in 2025.
- Additional daily dispatches: 87 more coal rakes per day compared with October 2025.
- H1 FY 2026-27 dispatches: An average of 430 coal rakes per day to thermal power plants.
- H1 year-on-year growth: 7.1%.
- September 2026 performance: Daily coal rake dispatches increased by 14% compared with September 2025.
These figures reflect the continued focus on strengthening coal evacuation and ensuring that thermal power plants receive adequate fuel supplies.
Coordination With Coal and Power Ministries
Indian Railways is working closely with the Ministry of Coal to improve the efficiency of coal evacuation and ensure the timely transportation of coal from mines to consumption centres.
The Railways is also coordinating with the Ministry of Power to maintain the pace of coal movement and support adequate coal stocks at thermal power plants.
This inter-ministerial coordination is aimed at reducing supply disruptions, supporting uninterrupted power generation and meeting the country’s energy needs.
Record Coal Loading Supports India’s Energy Security
Consistent coal transportation by Indian Railways has helped maintain steady coal stocks at thermal power plants, supporting reliable electricity generation across the country.
With energy consumption rising and demand for coal-based power remaining strong, the Railways’ role in transporting coal continues to be crucial for India’s energy supply chain.
The record coal loading achieved in October 2026, along with the growth recorded during H1 FY 2026-27, underscores Indian Railways’ efforts to strengthen freight operations and support the country’s energy security through reliable coal transportation.
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