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India has intensified coal shipments via rail to power utilities after fuel stockpiles at several generating stations plunged to critically low levels, according to the federal Ministry of Coal on Monday.

The ramp-up in rail dispatches comes as the number of power plants holding coal inventories below 25% of mandated norms has risen noticeably over recent weeks.

The tally of plants with fuel stocks under 25% of required levels—or holding insufficient coal to sustain electricity generation for more than three days—jumped sharply to 58 on September 5, compared to 46 at the end of August.

Among the affected facilities, 53 are domestic coal-based plants, according to data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Power.

The Ministry of Coal stated: "The number of thermal power stations facing a critical stock situation is being closely monitored, and corrective measures for coal supply have already been implemented to improve conditions at these units."

The government added that increased dispatches from state-owned Coal India Limited (CIL), its subsidiaries, and private captive mines have helped bolster supplies, with daily loading volumes on an upward trajectory since September 3.

Coal rakes loaded for the power sector climbed to 444 on September 6, up from 370 rakes on September 3, according to official data released on Monday.