Mumbai, Oct. 28 -- Indian Railways recorded its highest-ever coal loading in October 2026, with volumes rising by more than 22 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year. The Ministry of Railways said the increase reflected continued efforts to maintain reliable coal supplies to thermal power plants across the country.
The railway network handled an additional 87 coal rakes per day during October compared with the same month last year. The rise in daily dispatches highlights the increased movement of coal through the rail network during a period of higher demand for electricity generation.
During the first half of Financial Year 2026-27, Indian Railways dispatched an average of 430 coal rakes per day to thermal power plants. This represented a 7.1 per cent increase over the average recorded during the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
The Ministry attributed the sustained pace of coal transportation to rising energy consumption and stronger demand for coal-based power generation. It said higher industrial production and deficient rainfall in some parts of the country had contributed to the increased requirement for coal-based electricity.
Consistent coal evacuation has also helped maintain steady coal stocks at thermal power plants, according to the Ministry. The improved movement of the fuel is supporting power generation by ensuring that generating stations continue to receive supplies through the railway network.
The October performance follows the increase recorded during the first half of the financial year and underscores the role of rail freight in transporting coal to power stations. Indian Railways' higher daily rake dispatches have enabled the system to respond to increased requirements while maintaining the flow of supplies to thermal power plants across the country.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.