New Delhi: Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) has significantly accelerated its coal production and dispatch operations as monsoon conditions ease across its mining areas. As of September 8, 2026, NCL recorded a 67% rise in coal production and a 75% increase in coal supplies compared with the average levels recorded during September 1-3.
NCL’s cumulative coal production for FY 2026-27 stood at 51.43 million tonnes (MT), while total coal supplies reached 55 MT as of September 8. Around 87% of NCL’s coal supplies are directed towards the power sector, supporting electricity generation across key consuming states.
NCL Coal Production and Dispatch Gain Momentum
The improvement in production and dispatch has also led to a sharp increase in railway evacuation.
On September 8, NCL loaded 41 railway rakes, more than double the average of 19 rakes per day recorded during September 1-3.
NCL primarily supplies coal to power plants in:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Rajasthan
The rise in railway loading is helping strengthen the movement of coal from mines to power plants and other consumers.
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Mine Operations Improve as Monsoon Conditions Ease
The recovery in NCL’s operations follows the easing of heavy rainfall-related constraints across its mining areas.
Improved accessibility at mines has enabled more efficient movement of:
- Manpower
- Mining machinery
- Coal
- Transport vehicles
NCL has also prioritised the restoration of internal roads to facilitate faster movement of coal to Coal Handling Plants (CHPs) and railway sidings.
Continuous dewatering operations have further helped reopen mining areas that were affected by water accumulation.
NCL Steps Up Road-Based Coal Supplies
Alongside railway evacuation, NCL has increased its engagement with road-based consumers, particularly power utilities.
The company is focusing on increasing tipper deployment and accelerating coal lifting to improve overall dispatch.
Regular coordination among project teams, railway authorities and consumers has also helped improve synchronisation across the coal supply chain.
Coal India Production Rises 40% in September
The improvement at NCL comes amid a broader recovery in Coal India Limited (CIL) production and dispatch following monsoon-related disruptions.
CIL’s average daily coal production increased by 40%, rising from 1.36 MT per day during September 1-3 to 1.91 MT on September 8, 2026.
Coal dispatches to power plants also recorded a significant improvement.
- Average daily dispatch to power plants during September 1-3: 1.37 MT
- Average daily dispatch on September 8: 1.74 MT
- Increase in average daily dispatch: 27%
The increase in production and dispatch is supporting higher coal supplies to the power sector.
Recovery to Support Power Sector Coal Supplies
The improvement in coal production and dispatch during September is expected to support Coal India’s efforts to restore operational levels towards the pre-monsoon period.
The recovery is also expected to strengthen the reliability of coal supplies to power plants, particularly as NCL continues to focus on faster mine operations, railway evacuation and road-based coal movement.
About Northern Coalfields Limited
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited engaged in coal mining and supply. The company operates coal mines in the Singrauli coalfields and supplies coal primarily to power plants and other consumers in northern and central India, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
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