The Madurai division of Indian Railways has, for the first time in its history, exceeded its annual freight loading target, crossing 3.501 million tonnes for the financial year 2025–26 on Wednesday.
The division handled a total of over 3.5 million tonnes during the year, driven largely by fertiliser movement, which accounted for 1.7598 million tonnes. Coal transport followed at 0.7993 million tonnes, while other commodities included food grains (0.0434 million tonnes), cement (0.0862 million tonnes), containers (0.0065 million tonnes), and a substantial 0.8629 million tonnes of miscellaneous goods.
In addition to achieving its overall target, the division recorded several new freight milestones. Dun peas were transported for the first time from Milavittan to Dankuni Junction under Eastern Railway, with five rakes carrying a total of 9,717 tonnes. New routes were also established for musoor dal shipments from Milavittan to Azara under Northeast Frontier Railway and to Manikpur Junction under North Central Railway during March.
The division also expanded its container operations, dispatching three rakes from Gangaikondan to Deshnoke in the Bikaner division of North Western Railway in August 2025.
Among key contributors, Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation (SPIC) recorded its highest-ever monthly fertiliser loading of 0.1119 million tonnes in July 2025. Tractor manufacturer TAFE achieved 125 rakes of tractor loading during the year, marking its second-highest performance after the 140 rakes recorded in 2022–23.
Further, the division registered its highest-ever monthly loading of BRN (flat wagon) rakes, with nine rakes dispatched from Vadipatti in October 2025. These included six rakes bound for Bhagat Ki Kothi in the Jodhpur division and three rakes to Dhanakya in the Jaipur division, both under North Western Railway.
The achievement underscores the division’s growing role in freight logistics and its continued efforts to diversify cargo and expand rail-based transportation networks.
