Indian Railways Surpasses 1 Billion Tonne Freight Loading in FY 25‑26

In a significant achievement for India’s freight transportation network, Indian Railways has crossed the 1 billion tonne mark in cumulative freight loading for FY 2025‑26. As of 19 November 2025, freight volumes reached approximately 1,020 million tonnes (MT). This milestone underscores the railways’ critical role in supporting India’s industrial and infrastructure growth, optimizing logistics, and advancing sustainability.

Unpacking the Performance

Major Drivers

• Coal remains the largest contributor: ~505 MT out of the 1,020 MT total.
• Iron ore: ~115 MT
• Cement: ~92 MT
• Container traffic: ~59 MT
• Pig iron & finished steel: ~47 MT
• Fertilisers: ~42 MT
• Mineral oil: ~32 MT
• Foodgrains: ~30 MT
• Raw materials for steel plants: ~20 MT (approx.)
• Other goods: ~74 MT

These figures illustrate broad‑based commodity support—not just a single segment.

Daily & Periodic Performance

• Daily freight loading: ~4.4 million tonnes (Mt), up from ~4.2 Mt in the previous year.
• For the period April‑October, freight loading reached 935.1 MT, up from 906.9 MT in the same period last year, indicating solid year‑on‑year growth.

Strategic Reforms & Logistics Push

Recognising the growth potential in non‑coal bulk segments—especially cement—the Railways has introduced key reforms,

• Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals, facilitating larger lot sizes and faster handling.
• Rationalised rates for bulk cement movement in containers, aimed at lowering logistics cost for industry and end‑consumers.

These reforms are poised to shift further freight volumes onto rail, improve turnaround times, reduce transit cost, and support infrastructure expansion.

Sustainability & Economic Impacts

By redirecting bulk goods from highways to rail,

• Emission reductions are achieved, supporting India’s climate goals.
• Highway decongestion improves road safety and lowers wear‑and‑tear costs.
• Rail freight offers cost‑efficient logistics solutions for industry players, including MSMEs, enhancing competitiveness.

Collectively, the milestone signals that rail freight is rising as a catalyst for both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Static Facts

• Total Freight Loaded (FY 25-26 as of 19 Nov): 1,020 million tonnes
• Daily Freight Loading: 4.4 million tonnes
• Freight (Apr–Oct 2025): 935.1 MT
• Freight (Apr–Oct 2024): 906.9 MT
• Coal Contribution: 505 MT