Kolkata, November 1, 2026: Coal India Limited (CIL) has announced a significant operational milestone, achieving its highest-ever monthly coal supplies and production in October for the financial year 2026–27. This achievement marks a historic first for the company, with both total coal supplies and supplies to the power sector reaching unprecedented levels. The accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the challenges posed by unseasonal rainfall, the Puja festivities, and the impact of a cyclone, all of which could have disrupted operations.
In October, CIL’s coal supplies exceeded the 70 million tonnes (MT) mark for the first time, reaching 70.3 MT. This figure surpasses the previous monthly record of 69.4 MT set in March 2026, representing a robust 19% increase over the 59.2 MT supplied in October of the previous financial year. The subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) also contributed significantly by crossing the 20 MT monthly supply mark for the first time. CIL had initially reached the 60 MT monthly supply milestone in March 2021, and since then, supplies have fluctuated between 60-69 MT.
Supplies to the power sector also reached a new high, crossing the 57 MT threshold for the first time in CIL’s history, with 57.1 MT supplied in October FY 2026–27. This surpasses the previous monthly high of 56.5 MT recorded in May 2024 and represents a 19% increase over the 48 MT supplied in October FY 2025–26. This achievement underscores CIL’s enhanced capacity to meet the growing demands of thermal power plants.
In addition to supply records, CIL also set a new benchmark in railway coal evacuation, with an average power-sector rake loading of 310 rakes per day in October FY 2026–27, the highest-ever monthly average for the company. This surpasses the previous record of 302.8 rakes per day set in March 2025. A senior official noted the significance of these achievements, highlighting that surpassing previous records typically set in March, a peak performance month, during October is particularly remarkable.
Coal production also reached new heights, with 67.2 MT produced in October FY 2026–27, surpassing the previous October high of 62.47 MT recorded in October 2024. This reflects a 19% increase over the 56.38 MT produced in October FY 2025–26, indicating a sharp acceleration in mining activity post-monsoon.
Analysts view these developments as a positive indicator of CIL’s commitment to bolstering India’s energy security and its operational readiness for the remainder of FY 2026-27. The simultaneous growth in coal supplies, production, and overburden removal suggests a strong operational foundation for the company moving forward.
