NCL Boosts Production by 67% and Dispatch by 75% Post-Monsoon

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has significantly ramped up its operations as the monsoon season recedes. As of September 8, 2026, NCL reported a 67% increase in coal production and a 75% rise in coal dispatch compared to the average of September 1st to 3rd, 2026. For the fiscal year 2026-27, NCL's total coal production reached 51.43 million tonnes (MT), with supplies totaling 55 MT by September 8th, demonstrating a strong recovery from monsoon-induced operational challenges.

The company's reliance on Indian Railways for transportation saw a substantial improvement, with rake loading increasing to 41 rakes on September 8th, up from an average of 19 rakes per day between September 1st and 3rd. NCL primarily supplies coal to power plants in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, with approximately 87% of its total coal supplies directed to the power sector.

This operational enhancement at NCL aligns with Coal India Limited's broader commitment to ensuring a stable and dependable coal supply chain for the nation. NCL is intensifying efforts to maximize production and streamline evacuation processes by leveraging improved mine accessibility, efficient movement of resources, and optimal use of its assets. The focus remains on translating favorable mining conditions into increased production, accelerated dispatch, and more reliable coal supplies.

Key measures contributing to this recovery include improved mine accessibility, enabling more efficient movement of personnel, machinery, and coal. Prioritized restoration of internal roads has facilitated smoother coal transportation to Coal Handling Plants and railway sidings, while continuous dewatering efforts have reopened mining areas previously affected by water accumulation.

Furthermore, NCL has enhanced engagement with road-based consumers, particularly power utilities, to increase the deployment of tippers and expedite coal lifting. Regular coordination meetings with project teams, railway officials, and consumers have been instrumental in achieving greater synchronization across the entire supply chain, from the mining face to the end consumer.

At the CIL level, average daily coal production saw a 40% increase, rising from an average of 1.36 MT per day during the first three rain-affected days of September to 1.91 MT on September 8, 2026. This production surge is also driving higher dispatches, with average daily supplies to the power sector increasing by 27%, from 1.37 MT per day in the initial three days of September to 1.74 MT on September 8, 2026.

The positive trend observed in September provides an optimistic outlook for CIL's overall production and dispatch capabilities, with coal supplies to power plants gradually returning to pre-monsoon levels.