India's Record Coal Stockpile Secures Peak Power Demand

India has achieved a significant milestone as the coal stock at its thermal power plants has reached a record high of 58.25 million tonnes, sufficient to sustain 25 days of consumption. This accomplishment comes courtesy of the Indian Railways' innovative silo loading system, according to a statement by the Railway Ministry.

The record stockpile is a strategic bolster to India's energy security, guaranteeing an uninterrupted power supply during the peak summer demand and providing assurance for the monsoon season when coal production and logistic operations often face disruptions due to heavy rains.

Silo loading involves the mechanized process of directly loading coal into railway wagons from storage silos, eliminating traditional methods like front-end loaders or manual shoveling. This advancement ensures consistent coal sizing, minimizes complaints from power plants related to oversized boulders, reduces wagon damage, and enables reliable coal transport unaffected by adverse weather conditions.

Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy and Ashwini Vaishnaw convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday to assess the state of coal logistics and transportation efficiency. The discussion focused on accelerating the expansion of silo loading infrastructure to enhance the quality and speed of coal evacuation.

The ministers reviewed current and planned projects aimed at expanding silo infrastructure across major coalfields and stressed the importance of cross-ministerial collaboration to ensure seamless operations from mine to plant. The share of coal loaded through silos has notably increased, rising from 18.8% in 2022-23 to 29% in 2025-26, highlighting a sustained effort to improve coal logistics.

(With inputs from agencies.)