Bhubaneswar: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has spearheaded a significant surge in coal dispatches to India’s power sector, recording the sharpest single-day loading surge among all coal-producing companies on September 6, 2026. MCL expanded its supply by 12 rakes in a single day, reaching a total of 111 rakes per day and playing a central role in boosting the national coal supply chain.
MCL’s strong performance comes as coal loading to power plants nationwide achieved a four-day upward trajectory. Between September 3 and September 6, total loading across the country grew from 370 rakes per day to 444 rakes per day, marking a net addition of 74 rakes per day—an overall gain of roughly 20 percent. A massive leap occurred on September 6 alone, which saw a nationwide increase of 31 rakes over the previous day, driven largely by MCL’s output.
While MCL posted the highest single-day gain, performance across other Coal India Limited (CIL) subsidiaries, captive operators, and goodsheds contributed to the momentum. Captive blocks increased output by 6 rakes to reach 72 rakes per day, while BCCL climbed by 8 rakes to 25 rakes per day. NCL and private washeries with goodsheds each posted a 3-rake increase, bringing their totals to 35 and 42 rakes per day, respectively. Moderate gains were registered by CCL, up by 2 rakes to 36 rakes per day, and SECL, up by 1 rake to 46 rakes per day. Meanwhile, ECL and WCL held steady at 23 and 29 rakes per day. In total, CIL siding loading climbed by 26 rakes on September 6 to reach 305 rakes per day.
The Ministry of Coal and Coal India Limited are keeping a close watch on thermal power plants currently operating with critical stock levels below 25 percent of their normative requirement. Targeted coal movement strategies are actively being executed to alleviate stock pressures at these critical facilities and sustain the current supply momentum across the country.