New Delhi: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has emerged as the leading growth driver among CIL subsidiaries, exceeding its targets across all three key operational parameters of coal production, offtake and overburden removal during April-October 2026.
According to the Ministry of Coal, WCL was the only CIL subsidiary to surpass its targets in all three parameters during the seven-month period, achieving 102.47 percent of its coal production target, 108.82 percent of its offtake target and 104.56 percent of its overburden removal target.
The company produced 32.96 million tonnes (MT) of coal during April-October 2026, registering a growth of 15.92 percent over the corresponding period last year. Its coal offtake increased 25.54 percent to 41.56 MT, while overburden removal rose 36.10 percent to 207.95 million cubic metres (MCuM).
WCL's additional coal production of 4.53 MT during the period was higher than the entire net production growth recorded by Coal India during the corresponding period, according to the ministry.
WCL recorded particularly strong growth in October 2026, with coal production increasing 64.87 percent to 5.93 MT from 3.60 MT in October last year. The company achieved 108.60 percent of its monthly production target, recording the highest production growth among major CIL subsidiaries.
Coal offtake during the month increased 50.16 percent to 6.67 MT against 4.44 MT in the corresponding month last year. WCL achieved 102.40 percent of its monthly offtake target and was the only major subsidiary to exceed the target.
The company had also recorded the highest growth in coal production and offtake among CIL subsidiaries during September 2026.
A significant operational achievement has been the reduction in pithead coal stock from 13.034 MT on April 1, 2026, to 4.44 MT on October 31, 2026. This represents the liquidation of approximately 8.6 MT, or around 66 percent of the opening stock.
Improved coordination with the Railways and closer monitoring of rake placement and loading helped accelerate coal evacuation. WCL loaded 6,146 rakes up to October 31, compared with 4,402 rakes during the corresponding period last year, registering an increase of 39.6 percent.
Rake loading to the power sector increased 40.8 percent, while coal supplies to Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO) also recorded significant growth.
The additional rakes supplied to MAHAGENCO are estimated to have supported approximately 5,800 million units of additional power generation in Maharashtra.
WCL attributed its performance to intensive monitoring of production, despatch and operational activities at the mine level. Daily operational reviews, regular meetings with Area General Managers and frequent visits by senior management have helped identify and resolve bottlenecks.
The company has also strengthened coordination with the Railways, State Governments and concerned ministries to address issues relating to environmental and forest clearances, land and other operational requirements.
During FY 2026-27, WCL secured four environmental clearances or amendments and two forest clearances to facilitate continuity of mining operations.
WCL has continued to strengthen its transportation and loading infrastructure through all-weather coal transportation roads, rapid loading systems and automated weighbridges.
The company currently has six Surface Miners and three Continuous Miners in operation. Its focus on coal quality has also yielded positive results, with approximately 86 percent of coal samples collected during April-October confirming the declared grade.
Operational improvements have contributed to a reduction in overloading charges, while October despatches achieved 100 percent net realisation without debit loss.
WCL's strong operational performance has also translated into improved financial results. Its Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at Rs 1,352.26 crore during April-September 2026, registering a growth of 76.3% over the corresponding period of the previous year.
With higher coal production, improved evacuation and substantial reduction in pithead stocks, WCL is seeking to sustain its operational momentum during the remaining months of FY 2026-27.
The company's performance is expected to support domestic coal availability and strengthen India's energy security by meeting the requirements of power plants and industries.
(PSU Watch is India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy. 👉 Click to join our channel now: PSUWatch WhatsApp Channel. Prefer LinkedIn? Follow PSU Watch on LinkedIN. Click to stay connected on Twitter here and stay updated.)