Strong performance in coal, iron ore, cement, and container loading propels Railways to a major milestone; daily freight loading touches 4.4 million tonnes, surpassing last year’s levels
Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in freight movement, crossing the 1 billion tonnes loading mark in the current financial year 2025–26. As of 19 November, cumulative freight loading reached 1,020 million tonnes (MT), underscoring Railways’ growing role in strengthening India’s economic backbone.
This achievement reflects robust support from key sectors. Coal continues to be the largest contributor with 505 MT, followed by iron ore (115 MT), cement (92 MT), container traffic (59 MT), raw and finished steel (47 MT), fertilizers (42 MT), POL products (32 MT), food grains (30 MT), raw materials for steel plants (around 20 MT), and other goods (74 MT).
Daily loading remains strong at 4.4 million tonnes, higher than last year’s 4.2 million tonnes, indicating improved operational efficiency and sustained demand.
Steady Growth in April–October Performance
Freight loading between April and October further reinforces this positive trend, reaching 935.1 MT in 2025, compared to 906.9 MT during the same period last year—marking a healthy year-on-year growth.
This consistent momentum, coupled with higher daily loading, highlights Indian Railways’ enhanced capacity to support the country’s industrial expansion and infrastructure development.
Strategic Push to Strengthen Cement Logistics
Recognizing the critical role of cement in infrastructure growth, Railways has introduced major reforms to optimize logistics in this sector. Recent measures—such as the policy for Bulk Cement Terminals and rationalized tariffs for bulk cement movement in containers—represent strategic steps toward modernizing cement transportation.
These initiatives aim to increase bulk handling capacity, reduce transit time, and lower logistics costs, benefiting both industry stakeholders and end consumers. Such targeted interventions are expected to accelerate efficiency and drive transformative improvements across the sector.
Rail Freight Shift Enables Environmental and Economic Gains
Shifting bulk cargo to rail offers multiple benefits far beyond commercial gains. It helps reduce carbon emissions, eases congestion on highways, and provides cost-effective, greener logistics solutions for industries, including MSMEs.
These developments reinforce India’s commitment to sustainable growth, aligning freight operations with the country’s journey toward net-zero emissions, and positioning Railways as a catalyst for both economic progress and environmental stewardship.
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