Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, has emerged as a key growth driver of Coal India Limited (CIL), recording strong performance across coal production, offtake and overburden removal during the current financial year. From April to October 2026, WCL was the only subsidiary of CIL to exceed its targets in all three key operational parameters, achieving 102.47% of its production target, 108.82% of its offtake target and 104.56% of its overburden removal target.
The company’s strong operational performance has significantly contributed to strengthening domestic coal availability and supporting India’s energy security. WCL’s additional production of 4.53 MT during April–October 2026 was higher than the entire net production growth of CIL during the corresponding period.
Strong Performance Across Key Parameters
WCL recorded particularly impressive growth during October 2026. Coal production increased to 5.93 MT, compared with 3.60 MT during the corresponding month last year, registering a growth of 64.87%, the highest among major CIL subsidiaries. The company also achieved 108.60% of its monthly production target.
Offtake during October increased to 6.67 MT, against 4.44 MT in the corresponding month last year, registering a growth of 50.16%. WCL was also the only major subsidiary to exceed its monthly offtake target, achieving 102.40%.
During the April–October period, WCL recorded:
32.96 MT coal production, registering a growth of 15.92%;
41.56 MT offtake, registering a growth of 25.54%; and
207.95 MCuM of overburden removal, registering a growth of 36.10%.
The company had also recorded the highest growth in both production and offtake among CIL subsidiaries during September 2026.
Record Stock Liquidation and Improved Coal Evacuation
A major achievement during the period has been WCL’s substantial reduction in pithead coal stock. The stock was reduced from 13.034 MT on April 1, 2026 to 4.44 MT on October 31, 2026, resulting in the liquidation of around 8.6 MT, or approximately 66% of the opening stock.
Enhanced coordination with the Railways and focused monitoring of rake placement and loading contributed significantly to this achievement. WCL loaded 6,146 rakes up to October 31, 2026, compared with 4,402 rakes during the corresponding period last year, registering an increase of 39.6%.
Rake loading to the power sector increased by 40.8%, while supplies to MAHAGENCO registered particularly strong growth.
Focused Monitoring and Mine-Level Decision Making
WCL’s strong performance has been driven by intensive and continuous monitoring of operations at the mine level. Daily reviews of production, despatch and operational issues, regular meetings with Area General Managers, and frequent visits by senior management have enabled faster identification and resolution of operational bottlenecks.
The extension of monthly coordination and review mechanisms down to the mine level has strengthened accountability and ensured closer monitoring of critical activities across operations.
Close coordination with the Railways, State Governments and concerned Ministries has also facilitated the timely resolution of issues relating to environmental and forest clearances, land matters and other operational requirements.
During FY 2026–27, WCL has secured four environmental clearances or amendments and two forest clearances, helping ensure continuity of mining operations.
Technology, Quality and Operational Efficiency
WCL has continued to strengthen operational efficiency through improved transportation and loading infrastructure, including all-weather coal transportation roads, rapid loading systems and automated weighbridges.
The company currently has six Surface Miners and three Continuous Miners in operation. Focus on coal quality has also yielded positive results, with around 86% of sampled coal from April to October confirmed at its declared grade.
Focused operational improvements have also contributed to a significant reduction in overloading charges, while October despatches achieved 100% net realisation without debit loss.
Supporting Power Generation and Energy Security
The significant increase in WCL’s offtake has directly supported power plants and industries. The additional coal supplies have strengthened domestic availability and contributed to reducing dependence on imported coal.
The additional rakes supplied to MAHAGENCO alone are estimated to have supported approximately 5,800 million units of additional power generation in Maharashtra.
WCL’s Profit Before Tax for April–September 2026 stood at ₹1,352.26 crore, registering a growth of 76.3% over the corresponding period of the previous year.
Towards Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat
WCL’s performance during the current financial year demonstrates how focused leadership, intensive mine-level monitoring, faster decision-making and close coordination among stakeholders can translate into substantial operational outcomes.
With significant coal benches exposed in advance through record overburden removal, substantial reduction in pithead stocks, a motivated workforce and strong operational momentum, WCL is well positioned for sustained performance during the second half of the financial year.
WCL remains committed to powering the nation, strengthening India’s energy security and contributing to the vision of an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.
