Coal production and dispatch by Coal India Limited (CIL) are expected to accelerate as heavy monsoon rains across key coal-producing regions ease, with improving mine conditions already boosting output and coal movement.
Despite prolonged rainfall during July and August, CIL supplied 322.90 million tonnes (MT) of coal during April-August of the current fiscal, registering a 6.70 per cent increase over the 302.60 MT supplied during the corresponding period last year.
Coal production has also begun to pick up with the improvement in weather conditions. Average daily production during the first three rain-affected days of September was around 1.36 MT, rising to approximately 1.7 MT on September 4 after a brief respite from rainfall.
Overburden removal (OBR), an important indicator of coal-bed exposure and future production readiness, has also improved. Average daily OBR increased from 2.5 million cubic metres during the first three days of September to 4.1 million cubic metres on September 4.
The easing rains have helped dry out coal beds and restore mining operations in lower mine horizons that were affected by waterlogging. Augmented pumping, repairs to internal haul roads and improved ground conditions are expected to support a faster return to normal production levels.
CIL supplied 60.60 MT of coal in August 2026, 5.50 per cent higher than the corresponding month last year. Supplies to the power sector rose 4.5 per cent to 48.46 MT during the month.
The company currently has around 76 MT of coal stock at its pitheads, along with 46 MT of ready-to-mine coal exposure. Average daily dispatch to the power sector increased from about 1.35 MT during the first three days of September to 1.5 MT on September 4.
CIL subsidiaries are also strengthening their coal evacuation infrastructure. Measures include augmentation of Coal Handling Plant-Silo systems, clearing of rail tracks at loading points and yards, and expansion of crushing capacity by subsidiaries such as Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) and South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL).
With drier conditions reducing geo-technical and safety risks associated with heavy rainfall, mining operations are expected to gain further momentum. Intermittent showers are not expected to have a significant impact on operations, according to the company.
Road transport offered to augment power-sector supplies
To further strengthen coal availability for power plants, CIL has offered additional coal to power stations having Fuel Supply Agreements with CIL and its subsidiaries.
Under applicable FSA provisions, power plants can lift additional quantities, including coal above their Annual Contracted Quantities, through road transport in addition to the existing rail mode.
With improving weather conditions, CIL expects loading and dispatch to increase further in the coming days and said the trend is being closely monitored to ensure uninterrupted coal supplies to the power sector.
