Coal rake loading to the power sector rose to 444 rakes on September 6, 2026, marking a steady improvement in coal supplies over four consecutive days. Loading increased from 370 rakes per day on September 3 to 444 rakes on September 6, a net gain of 74 rakes or around 20%.
The improvement reflects efforts by Coal India Limited (CIL), its subsidiaries, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and captive coal mine operators to strengthen coal supplies to power plants.
Coal Rake Loading Shows Steady Four-Day Growth
Coal rake loading increased consistently during the four-day period.
- September 3: 370 rakes/day
- September 4: 387 rakes/day, up 17 rakes
- September 5: 413 rakes/day, up 26 rakes
- September 6: 444 rakes/day, up 31 rakes
The latest increase of 31 rakes in a single day was the strongest daily gain during the period.
Overall, loading increased by 74 rakes per day, or about 20%, between September 3 and September 6.
Coal Rake Loading Improves Across Major Producers
Most coal-producing companies recorded higher rake loading on September 6 compared with the previous day.
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) recorded the largest increase. Its loading rose by 12 rakes to 111 rakes per day.
Captive block loading increased by 6 rakes to 72 rakes per day. BCCL recorded an increase of 8 rakes, taking its loading to 25 rakes per day.
NCL increased loading by 3 rakes to 35 rakes per day. Private Washery and Goodsheds also gained 3 rakes, reaching 42 rakes per day.
CCL and SECL recorded increases of 2 and 1 rake, respectively. Their loading reached 36 and 46 rakes per day.
ECL and WCL maintained their previous-day levels at 23 and 29 rakes per day, respectively.
CIL Siding Loading Rises to 305 Rakes
The improvement across coal producers also lifted overall CIL Siding loading to 305 rakes per day on September 6.
This was an increase of 26 rakes over the previous day.
The rise indicates stronger movement of coal from CIL sources towards the power sector. Sustained rake availability remains important for maintaining coal supplies at thermal power plants.
Critical Thermal Plants Under Close Monitoring
The Ministry of Coal and Coal India are closely monitoring thermal power plants where coal stocks remain below 25% of the normative requirement.
Corrective coal supply measures are already being implemented to improve the position at these critical plants.
The government and coal producers remain focused on sustaining the improvement in coal rake loading and ensuring adequate coal supplies for the power sector.
Source: PIB
