A high-level meeting was held between Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Union Minister of Railways, Electronics & IT, and I&B Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to review coal logistics and transportation efficiency. The discussion centered around accelerating mechanised silo loading infrastructure to enhance coal evacuation and energy security.
Silo loading involves direct bulk coal loading from silos into railway wagons—offering a cleaner, faster, and more uniform method compared to manual shoveling or front-end loaders. It reduces the occurrence of oversized boulders, prevents wagon damage, and ensures reliability during challenging weather conditions.
Thanks to sustained efforts, the share of coal loaded via silos has increased from 18.8% in 2022–23 to 29% in 2025–26 (till date), marking a major milestone in logistics modernisation.
As a result of this push, coal stock at India’s thermal power plants has reached a record 58.25 million tonnes—sufficient to meet 25 days of consumption. This achievement comes at a crucial time, ensuring uninterrupted power during peak summer and the upcoming monsoon, when transport logistics often face disruptions.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing and proposed silo infrastructure projects across major coalfields and highlighted the need for continued coordination between the Coal and Rail Ministries to ensure seamless mine-to-plant connectivity.
This strategic development strengthens India’s energy security and highlights the power of inter-ministerial collaboration and technology-driven solutions in public infrastructure.
Source: PIB
