Indian Railways has surpassed the 1-billion-tonne freight loading milestone in the current financial year, achieving 1,020 million tonnes (MT) as of November 19, according to the Ministry of Railways, citing ANI. The achievement reflects robust demand across key sectors and improved operational performance.
Coal continued to dominate the freight basket with 505 MT, followed by iron ore (115 MT), cement (92 MT), container cargo (59 MT), pig iron and finished steel (47 MT), fertilisers (42 MT), mineral oil (32 MT), foodgrains (30 MT) and raw materials for steel plants (around 20 MT). Other commodities collectively contributed 74 MT.
Daily freight loading has risen to around 4.4 MT, compared with 4.2 MT during the same period last year—an indicator, the ministry said, of enhanced efficiency and sustained economic activity.
Between April and October, Indian Railways handled 935.1 MT, up from 906.9 MT in the corresponding period a year earlier. Officials noted that the steady rise highlights the Railways’ expanding capacity to support industrial growth, infrastructure projects and supply-chain resilience.
The ministry credited recent policy reforms—including the Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals and rationalised rates for transporting cement in containers—for strengthening the rail-based bulk logistics ecosystem. These measures are expected to boost handling capacity, reduce transit times and lower logistics costs for industries.
Beyond operational and commercial gains, the Railways emphasised the environmental advantages of shifting bulk cargo from road to rail. Increased rail freight movement contributes to reduced carbon emissions, lower highway congestion and greener logistics solutions, particularly benefiting MSMEs.
These developments, the ministry added, align with India’s broader sustainability goals and reinforce the Railways’ pivotal role in driving economic growth while advancing environmental commitments.