Indian Railways coal loading hits all-time high, up 22.5% in October 2026
Synopsis
Indian Railways has smashed its own coal loading record, clocking a 22.5% year-on-year surge through 18 October 2026 — 87 extra rakes a day over last October. With industrial demand high and rainfall deficient in key regions, the national transporter's freight machine is running at full throttle, and freight revenue jumped ₹1,266 crore in September alone.
Key Takeaways
Indian Railways recorded an all-time high coal loading surge of 22.5% up to 18 October 2026 versus October 2025.
Coal loading increased by 87 rakes per day compared to the same October 2025 period.
In September 2026 , daily coal rakes rose to 443 , up from 397 in September 2025 — a 14% jump.
H1 FY 2026-27 average stood at 430 coal rakes per day , a 7.1% year-on-year rise.
Total freight loaded in September 2026 reached 135.35 million tonnes , a 6.14% annual increase.
Freight revenue in September rose by ₹1,266 crore over September 2025, up 9.3% .
Indian Railways has recorded an all-time high in coal loading in October 2026, registering a 22.5% surge up to 18 October compared with the same period last year, according to an official statement released on Thursday, 22 October 2026. The milestone reflects an accelerated push to secure reliable coal supplies for thermal power plants across the country amid rising energy demand.
October Surge in Numbers
Coal loading during the period increased by 87 rakes per day over October 2025 levels, marking the steepest year-on-year jump recorded by the national transporter. In September 2026, the daily average of coal rakes supplied rose to 443 rakes, up from 397 rakes per day in September 2025 — a 14% monthly increase. October has accelerated that momentum further, officials said.
H1 FY 2026-27 Performance
During the first half (H1) of FY 2026-27, Indian Railways dispatched an average of 430 coal rakes per day to thermal power plants, representing a 7.1% increase over the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. The progressive quarterly improvement — from 7.1% in H1 to 14% in September to 22.5% through mid-October — signals a deliberate ramp-up rather than a one-off spike.
Why the Push Is Happening Now
The sustained coal transportation drive comes amid rising energy consumption driven by higher industrial production and deficient rainfall in several parts of the country, both of which have increased dependence on coal-based power generation. Consistent coal evacuation has helped maintain steady stocks at thermal power plants, supporting uninterrupted power supply nationally. Indian Railways is working in close coordination with both the Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of Power to sustain supply chains and meet the country's energy requirements, the statement noted.
Broader Freight Picture
The coal performance is part of a wider freight uptick. Indian Railways loaded 135.35 million tonnes of total freight in September 2026, up from 127.52 million tonnes in September 2025 — a 6.14% year-on-year growth across all goods categories. Total freight revenue for the month rose by ₹1,266 crore over September 2025, registering a 9.3% increase, according to official figures.
What Comes Next
With industrial demand showing no signs of easing and the winter season typically lifting power consumption further, the Railways is expected to sustain elevated coal dispatch rates through the remainder of FY 2026-27. The coordination framework with the coal and power ministries will be critical in managing logistics as demand continues to climb.
Point of View
But it also underscores how heavily India's power grid still depends on coal as a daily buffer against demand spikes and weather variability. The fact that deficient rainfall — not just industrial growth — is cited as a driver reveals the systemic vulnerability: whenever hydro underdelivers, the entire incremental load falls on coal logistics. The progressive acceleration from 7.1% in H1 to 22.5% in October suggests the Railways is being used as an active energy-security instrument, not merely a freight carrier. Whether this pace is sustainable without crowding out other freight — and the revenue it brings — is a question the official statement leaves unanswered.
NationPress
22 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What all-time high has Indian Railways achieved in coal loading?
Indian Railways recorded a 22.5% year-on-year growth in coal loading through 18 October 2026 , the highest ever for the transporter, with dispatches rising by 87 rakes per day over the same period in October 2025.
How many coal rakes per day is Indian Railways currently dispatching?
In September 2026, the daily average reached 443 coal rakes , up from 397 in September 2025. October 2026 has accelerated that pace further, pushing the year-on-year growth rate to 22.5%.
Why is Indian Railways ramping up coal transportation in 2026?
Rising industrial production and deficient rainfall in parts of India have increased dependence on coal-based thermal power generation. The Railways is coordinating with the Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of Power to maintain adequate coal stocks at thermal plants nationwide.
How has Indian Railways' overall freight performance fared in September 2026?
Total freight loaded in September 2026 stood at 135.35 million tonnes , up 6.14% from 127.52 million tonnes in September 2025. Freight revenue rose by ₹1,266 crore over the same month last year, a 9.3% increase.
What was Indian Railways' average coal dispatch rate in the first half of FY 2026-27?
During H1 FY 2026-27, Indian Railways averaged 430 coal rakes per day to thermal power plants, a 7.1% improvement over the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
