Mumbai, Oct. 22 -- The sustained growth in coal transportation comes amid rising electricity demand and deficient rainfall in parts of the country, increasing reliance on coal-based power generation.
Indian Railways has recorded its highest-ever coal loading performance for the period up to October 18, registering growth of 22.5 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.
The increase was driven by higher coal transportation, with average coal loading rising by 87 rakes per day compared with October 2025 to support fuel supplies to thermal power plants across the country.
According to an official statement issued on Thursday, Indian Railways dispatched an average of 430 coal rakes per day to thermal power plants during the first half of FY2026-27, marking a 7.1 per cent increase over the corresponding period a year earlier. The pace accelerated further in September 2026, when average daily coal rake dispatches rose 14 per cent compared with September 2025.
The sustained growth in coal transportation comes amid rising electricity demand, supported by increased industrial activity and deficient rainfall in parts of the country, which has increased reliance on coal-based power generation.
Consistent coal evacuation has helped maintain adequate fuel inventories at thermal power plants, supporting uninterrupted power generation and grid stability. Indian Railways said it continues to work closely with the Ministry of Coal to ensure efficient movement of coal from mines to consumption centres.
The national transporter is also coordinating with the Ministry of Power to sustain coal supplies to thermal power stations and maintain adequate stock levels to meet the country's growing energy requirements.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Infrastructure Today.