A sharp rise in freight traffic on South Western Railway (SWR) has intensified attention on coal handling operations at Mormugao Port in Goa, spotlighting potential environmental and infrastructure challenges as the region’s rail-to-port cargo movement expands.
SWR’s freight performance in February 2026 showed continued growth, with coal, steel and iron ore among the key commodities boosting volumes. The railway recorded strong revenue and freight figures, handling 47.5 million tonnes of originating freight up to February, up 17% from a year earlier, including robust coal loading figures.
This uptick has drawn fresh scrutiny to Mormugao Port’s facilities, which serve as a critical export and import gateway for coal and other bulk commodities on India’s west coast. Environmental groups and local stakeholders are urging authorities to balance economic benefits with sustainable practices in coal handling — particularly in dust management, pollution control and logistics planning — as higher rail freight volumes translate into increased port activity.
Mormugao Port has dedicated berths equipped for coal and other bulk cargo, but advocates say that rising coal throughput underscores the need for enhanced environmental monitoring and investment in cleaner handling infrastructure to protect local communities and ecosystems.
Officials from the port authority and SWR acknowledged the growth in cargo flow but did not immediately outline specific steps to address the environmental concerns raised. Industry observers note that efficient coordination between ports and railways will be crucial to manage the logistics of escalating freight movement while mitigating its external impacts.