New Delhi, November 2, 2026: Government-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) recorded its highest-ever monthly coal production of 67.2 million tonnes (6.72 crore tonnes) in October 2026, while supplies to the power sector rose 19% year-on-year to a record 57.1 million tonnes (5.71 crore tonnes), according to the Ministry of Coal.
The company also achieved its highest monthly overall coal supply of 70.3 million tonnes (7.03 crore tonnes), up 19% from October 2025. The Ministry of Coal announced the figures on November 1, coinciding with Coal India’s 51st Foundation Day.
According to the ministry, Coal India’s total coal supply exceeded its previous monthly record of 69.4 million tonnes, set in March 2026. Deliveries to power plants surpassed the earlier record of 56.5 million tonnes, achieved in May 2024.
Coal production also increased by 19% compared with October 2025, exceeding the company’s previous monthly production record of 62.47 million tonnes, set in October 2024.
The higher coal deliveries are significant for India’s electricity sector, where coal-fired power stations depend on regular fuel supplies to maintain electricity generation.
Coal India also recorded its highest average daily railway loading for power-sector deliveries, at 310 coal-carrying freight train formations. This surpassed its previous record of 302.8 per day, set in March 2025.
The figure relates specifically to Coal India’s railway loading for power-sector supplies and does not represent the total number of coal trains loaded across the country.
During October, the company supplied 3.1 million tonnes more coal than it produced. While earlier Ministry of Coal data indicate that Coal India has been drawing on existing inventories, the latest announcement does not specify how much stock was used during the month.
The company’s October performance comes as it works towards its annual production target of 815 million tonnes for the financial year 2026–27.
Coal India produced 768 million tonnes during 2025–26, making the current year’s target approximately 6.1% higher than the previous financial year’s output.
Established on November 1, 1975, Coal India produced 79 million tonnes during its first year of operations. The company has since expanded its mining operations to become a major supplier of coal to India’s power sector and other industries.
The Ministry of Coal said the October performance reflected efforts to strengthen domestic coal production, improve transportation and maintain reliable fuel supplies for the country’s energy requirements.
However, the announcement does not provide coal stock levels at power plants or establish that electricity generation increased by the same percentage as coal deliveries.
The record production and supply figures indicate stronger coal movement during October, although Coal India’s progress towards its annual target will depend on output and deliveries over the remaining months of the financial year.
