The Ministry of Railways announced on 22 October 2026 that Indian Railways achieved a record in coal loading, with 22.5% growth from October 1 to 18, 2026, compared to the same period last year. This represents an increase of 87 coal rakes dispatched per day over October 2025. For the first half of the 2026-27 financial year, an average of 430 coal rakes were sent daily to thermal power plants, a 7.1% increase over the previous year. The release does not say when these measures take effect, as it reports on completed activities to ensure energy security.
Key points
- Oct 1-18, 2026: Coal loading grew by 22.5% compared to the same period in 2025
- Daily increase: 87 more coal rakes dispatched per day in Oct 2026 vs Oct 2025
- H1 FY 2026-27: Average of 430 coal rakes dispatched daily (7.1% growth)
- Sept 2026: Daily coal rake dispatches increased by 14% over Sept 2025
When it applies
- coal rake dispatches
- coal rake dispatches
- coal loading record period
Who it affects
- thermal power plants