Indian Railways crosses 1 billion tonne freight loading in FY25-26; daily freight touches 4.4 tonnes

The achievement of crossing 1 billion tonnes in freight loading underscores Indian Railways' role in supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability. Continued reforms and efficiency improvements are essential for future success.
Indian Railways crosses 1 billion tonne freight loading in FY25-26; daily freight touches 4.4 tonnes

Key insights

  • 1

    Coal Dominates Freight: Coal is the largest contributor to Indian Railways' freight loading.

  • 2

    Increased Daily Loading: Daily freight loading has risen to 4.4 million tonnes.

  • 3

    Sustainability Focus: Shifting freight to rail supports India's Net Zero goals.

  • 4

    Logistics Reforms: Recent reforms aim to optimize freight logistics and reduce costs.

A What happened
Indian Railways has successfully crossed the 1 billion tonne freight loading mark for the fiscal year 2025-26, achieving a total of 1,020 million tonnes as of November 19. Coal is the largest contributor, accounting for 505 million tonnes, followed by iron ore at 115 million tonnes and cement at 92 million tonnes. Daily freight loading has increased to approximately 4.4 million tonnes, up from 4.2 million tonnes last year, indicating improved operational efficiency. The ministry reported a year-on-year growth in freight loading, with 935.1 million tonnes loaded from April to October 2025, compared to 906.9 million tonnes in the same period last year. Recent reforms in logistics, particularly for cement transportation, aim to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, supporting both industrial growth and environmental sustainability. These initiatives align with India's commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions.

Topics

Business & Markets Economy Climate & Environment Sustainability

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