Reserves at 58 Facilities Plummet to Danger Levels as Government Rushes Emergency Freight Rakes to Avert Blackouts
_1306414304.jpg)
India's energy sector faces an alarming supply crunch as coal inventories at thermal power stations across the country deplete rapidly, touching critical danger levels. Official data reveals that the number of power generation facilities holding less than 25% of their mandatory coal reserves—translating to less than three days of operational fuel left—has spiked sharply in recent weeks. With heavy seasonal rains severely hampering domestic mining operations and logistical transport routes, the central government has swung into emergency action, aggressively ramping up coal dispatches via freight trains to stabilize the grid and stave off potential power disruptions.
Critical Reserves Plummet Across 58 Power Plants
According to latest figures released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Ministry of Coal, the energy crisis has escalated quickly. At the close of August, 46 power plants were operating with critically depleted coal stocks beneath the 25% threshold. By September 5, that number surged dramatically to 58 plants, with 53 of the affected facilities running entirely on domestic coal supplies. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Coal Ministry confirmed that vulnerable thermal power plants are being subjected to 24-hour monitoring, with immediate corrective supply protocols deployed to replenish depleted stockpiles.
Government Accelerates Railway Freight Rake Dispatches
To combat the logistical bottlenecks caused by severe monsoon rains that disrupted open-cast mining and road transport, authorities have prioritized heavy railway freight logistics. Coal supplies originating from state-owned Coal India Limited (CIL), its subsidiary companies, and captive private mines have witnessed a marked upward trajectory. Government loading statistics show that coal rakes dispatched specifically for power plants increased steadily from 370 units per day on September 3 to 444 units per day by September 6. Railway networks are operating on high alert to ensure uninterrupted transit, aiming to bridge the fuel deficit and restore comfortable buffer stocks before peak energy demand strains the grid further.
_2074229173_351x234.jpg)
_1306414304_351x234.jpg)
_424657563_351x234.jpg)
