<p>India has stepped up coal transportation to power plants as the government works to stabilise fuel supplies and strengthen energy security. The Ministry of Coal reports that daily deliveries to the power sector have improved significantly from the low recorded in September, supported by stronger railway loading and better coordination across the supply chain.</p><p>Daily coal supplies to the power sector have risen by approximately 36% from the September low. October deliveries are averaging around 9% above September levels, indicating an improvement in the movement of fuel from production centres to electricity-generating facilities.</p><p>Rail transportation has played a central role in the recovery. Coal loading has averaged more than 465 railway rakes per day during October, with the target of 470 rakes achieved on three consecutive days. The sustained loading performance is intended to improve the reliability of deliveries to power stations and reduce pressure on coal inventories.</p><p>The rate at which power plants are drawing down their coal stocks has also moderated. The Ministry reported that daily stock depletion fell from approximately 0.243 million tonnes in September to 0.116 million tonnes in October, a reduction of more than half. This suggests that incoming supplies are moving closer to meeting current consumption, although overall stock rebuilding has not yet begun.</p><p>The government has clarified that a power plant classified as having critical coal stocks is not necessarily facing an immediate fuel shortage. The classification is based on prescribed inventory thresholds and serves as an early-warning mechanism, allowing authorities to identify facilities that may require additional supplies before fuel availability affects electricity generation.</p><p>To address vulnerabilities, the Ministry of Coal is coordinating with the Ministries of Railways and Power to redistribute coal according to requirements. This approach is intended to prioritise plants with lower inventories and ensure that transportation capacity is directed towards locations where additional deliveries are most urgently needed.</p><p>Coal logistics performance is particularly important because railway availability, loading capacity and last-mile delivery influence how efficiently fuel reaches power stations. Consistent rail movement can reduce supply bottlenecks and help power producers manage inventories more predictably. Road transportation and other delivery modes are also contributing to the improved supply position, according to the Ministry.</p><p>The government expects sustained loading of around 465–475 railway rakes per day to support further stabilisation as seasonal electricity demand patterns change. However, the pace of inventory recovery will depend on continued dispatches, plant consumption and transportation performance. Authorities are continuing to monitor the system to maintain fuel availability ahead of the festive season, winter demand and the following summer period.</p>