The Ministry of Coal reported on 7 September 2026 that coal shipments to India’s power plants have been growing steadily. On 6 September 2026 alone, 444 railway rakes loaded with coal reached power sector destinations, marking a significant jump from the 370 rakes recorded just three days earlier.
The Numbers and the Trend
Between 3 September and 6 September 2026, coal rake loading to power stations climbed by 74 rakes per day in total, representing roughly a 20% increase over those four days. The daily progression was:
- 3 September: 370 rakes per day
- 4 September: 387 rakes per day (up by 17)
- 5 September: 413 rakes per day (up by 26)
- 6 September: 444 rakes per day (up by 31)
On 6 September alone, nearly every major coal producer contributed to the improvement. Coal India Limited’s Chhattisgarh subsidiary MCL led with a gain of 12 rakes, reaching 111 rakes per day. Captive coal blocks improved by 6 rakes to 72 rakes per day. Bengal Coalfields Company Limited added 8 rakes to reach 25 rakes daily. Northern Coalfields, along with private washeries and goodsheds, each recorded gains of 3 rakes. South Eastern Coalfields and Eastern Coalfields also posted modest increases. Overall, Coal India Limited’s siding loading rose to 305 rakes per day on 6 September, up by 26 rakes from the previous day.
The Ministry noted that thermal power plants with coal reserves below 25% of their required stock levels continue to receive special attention, with targeted supply measures already deployed to improve their position.
What This Means for You
Higher coal deliveries to power stations suggest improved fuel availability for electricity generation across the country. This could help reduce the risk of power cuts in the coming weeks and support more stable electricity supply to homes, businesses and industries. The Ministry and Coal India Limited have indicated their intention to maintain this upward momentum in coal supplies going forward.