Freight Milestone Achieved as Railways Power Economic Backbone with Record Daily Loading
NEW DELHI: Indian Railways has announced a significant milestone, with cumulative freight loading in the current fiscal year (FY 2025-26) surpassing the one-billion-tonne mark, reaching 1020 Million Tonnes (MT) as of November 19.
This achievement underscores the sustained strength of India’s economy, driven by robust performance across key sectors. Coal remains the largest contributor at 505 MT, followed by iron ore (115 MT), cement (92 MT), and container traffic (59 MT). The milestone reflects the Railways’ improved operational efficiency, with daily loading rates currently holding strong at around 4.4 MT, exceeding the 4.2 MT recorded last year. Furthermore, freight loading from April to October touched 935.1 MT, marking a healthy year-on-year growth compared to 906.9 MT in the same period last year.
Recognizing the critical role of cement in infrastructure growth, the Railways recently rolled out comprehensive reforms, including a Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals and rationalized rates for bulk cement movement. These strategic interventions aim to modernize transportation, increase bulk handling capacity, and reduce logistics costs, benefiting both industry players and end consumers.
Beyond commercial success, the shift of bulk goods to rail offers substantial environmental benefits. Moving cargo via rail reduces carbon footprints, decongests highways, and provides greener, cost-efficient logistics options. This development reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable growth, positioning Indian Railways as a key catalyst in the nation’s journey towards Net Zero Carbon Emission targets.