Coal India Limited, coal dispatch, rail transportation, FY26 coal supply, Indian coal sector, energy security

Coal India Limited (CIL) has achieved a significant milestone by dispatching a record 375 million tonnes (MT) of coal through railways up to December in the ongoing FY26, underlining the public sector miner’s growing logistical strength and focus on ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply to key sectors.

According to industry data, the record rail dispatch reflects sustained efforts by Coal India Limited to enhance evacuation infrastructure, improve coordination with Indian Railways, and expand first-mile connectivity projects across its subsidiaries. The strong performance comes amid rising demand from the power sector, which remains the largest consumer of domestic coal.

Officials said higher availability of rakes, faster loading systems, and increased use of mechanised coal handling plants have played a crucial role in boosting rail-based movement. Rail transport is considered the most efficient and reliable mode for long-distance coal movement, particularly to power plants located far from mining regions.

The record dispatch has helped power producers maintain adequate coal stocks, reducing the risk of fuel shortages during peak demand periods. It also aligns with the government’s broader objective of strengthening domestic energy security and cutting dependence on costly coal imports.

With several new railway sidings, doubling projects, and automated loading infrastructure in the pipeline, CIL expects rail dispatch volumes to remain strong through the remainder of FY26. The company continues to prioritise logistics optimisation as a key pillar of its strategy to support India’s growing energy needs while improving operational efficiency.