Raipur: Indian Railways has recorded strong growth in coal transportation in October 2026, registering a 22.5% increase over the corresponding period last year up to October 18. The increase comes amid rising electricity demand driven by industrial growth and deficient rainfall in some parts of the country.
According to the Ministry of Railways, Indian Railways dispatched 87 additional coal rakes per day during the period compared with October 2025. The increase has strengthened efforts to ensure an uninterrupted coal supply to thermal power plants across the country.
During the first half of the financial year 2026-27, Indian Railways transported an average of 430 coal rakes daily to thermal power plants, marking a 7.1% increase over the corresponding period of the previous financial year. The growth continued in September, when daily coal rake dispatches increased by 14% compared with September 2025.
The rise in coal transportation comes amid growing energy consumption across the country. Higher industrial output and lower rainfall in some regions have contributed to increased demand for coal-based electricity generation.
According to the ministry, the sustained movement of coal has helped maintain stable coal stocks at thermal power plants, supporting uninterrupted electricity generation across the country.
Indian Railways is working in close coordination with the Ministries of Coal and Power to ensure efficient transportation and reliable coal supplies. These coordinated efforts aim to maintain adequate stocks at thermal power plants and meet the country’s growing energy requirements.
The latest figures highlight the critical role of Indian Railways in transporting coal from producing regions to power plants and maintaining the stability of the country’s electricity supply system.
