New milestones in coal output, power sector supplies and railway evacuation mark 51st Foundation Day

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 1, 2026

State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) has achieved a series of all-time operational records in October 2026, registering its highest-ever monthly coal production and total coal supply, along with a record dispatch to the power sector, as the mining behemoth celebrated its 51st Foundation Day on Sunday.

The world's largest coal producer recorded its highest-ever monthly coal supply of 70.3 million tonnes (MT) in October, surpassing its previous best of 69.4 MT achieved in March 2026. The performance marked a robust 19 per cent growth over the corresponding month last year, reflecting the company's strengthened production and supply capabilities.

Coal supplies to the power sector also touched an unprecedented 57.1 MT during the month, eclipsing the previous record of 56.5 MT registered in May 2024. The dispatch to power utilities grew 19 per cent year-on-year, reinforcing CIL's critical role in ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability to the country's electricity sector.

On the production front, the company achieved its highest-ever monthly output of 67.2 MT in October, surpassing the previous record of 62.47 MT recorded in October 2024. Production also registered a year-on-year growth of 19 per cent.

Adding to the milestone achievements, railway coal evacuation for the power sector reached a record daily average of 310 rakes during October, exceeding the previous high of 302.8 rakes per day achieved in March 2025.

The record-breaking performance assumes added significance as Coal India marked 51 years of operations on November 1, entering its 52nd year with a renewed commitment to strengthening the country's energy security.

Established on November 1, 1975, the company has undergone a remarkable transformation over five decades, expanding its annual coal production from just 79 MT in its inaugural year to 768 MT in the financial year 2025-26, representing an almost tenfold increase.

Coal India's production target for the current financial year 2026-27 has been set at 815 MT, underscoring its ambition to further scale up output and meet the country's rising energy demand.

The October performance highlights the company's sustained focus on augmenting coal production, improving transportation and evacuation infrastructure, and ensuring efficient and dependable fuel supplies to power plants across the country.

As it steps into its 52nd year, Coal India remains focused on building on its five-decade legacy of growth and operational transformation, while playing a pivotal role in meeting India's growing energy needs and supporting the nation's economic development.