Indian Railways recorded a freight loading of 1,670 million tonnes (MT) in the financial year 2025–26, reflecting sustained growth in cargo movement and the network’s expanding role in India’s logistics ecosystem.
The strong performance has been driven by increased demand across key sectors, including coal, cement, steel, fertilizers, and food grains. Improved operational efficiencies, better wagon availability, and enhanced coordination with industries have also contributed to the higher freight volumes.
Railway officials highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades, such as dedicated freight corridors, yard modernization, and advanced signalling systems, as key enablers of capacity expansion. These initiatives have helped streamline operations and reduce turnaround times, making rail transport more competitive compared to road logistics.
The growth in freight loading aligns with Indian Railways’ broader strategy to increase its modal share in the country’s freight movement while promoting cost-effective and environmentally sustainable transport solutions.
Looking ahead, Indian Railways is expected to continue focusing on capacity augmentation, digitalization, and customer-centric initiatives to further boost freight volumes and support India’s economic growth.