Govt spurs coal rake loading by 20% to strengthen stocks positions at thermal plants
The Indian Union Coal Ministry has increased coal rake loading by 20% to address low stock levels at thermal power plants. Authorities are closely monitoring plants with stocks below 25% to ensure energy supply stability.
Why it matters
Ensuring adequate coal supply is critical for maintaining India's power grid stability and preventing energy shortages.
Loading of coal rakes for supply to the power sector has grown about 20% between September 3 and September 6, the Union Coal Ministry said on Monday (September 7, 2026), adding separately that it was also closely monitoring thermal plants with stocks below 25% of their normal requirements with measures being taken to ease their supply position.
According to data from the Central Electricity Authority, 53 domestic coal-fired plants were operating at the critical normative level as on September 5.
“The number of critical thermal plants [stock below 25% of normative requirement] are being closely monitored, with corrective coal supply measures already in place to further ease the position at these plants,” it stated.
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