Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone by crossing 1 billion tonnes of freight loading for the financial year 2025–26. As of 19 November 2025, the national transporter recorded 1,020 million tonnes of freight, marking a strong performance and highlighting the crucial role railways play in supporting India’s economic growth. This achievement reflects rising demand across key industries and the improved efficiency of the rail network.
Coal continues to be the largest contributor to overall freight, accounting for 505 million tonnes of the total load. Other major commodities that supported this milestone include iron ore at 115 million tonnes, cement at 92 million tonnes, container traffic at 59 million tonnes, and additional cargo such as pig iron, fertilisers, petroleum products, and foodgrains. These sectors together demonstrate the wide-ranging industrial dependence on rail logistics.
Daily freight movement has also shown improvement. Indian Railways is currently loading an average of 4.4 million tonnes per day, compared to 4.2 million tonnes during the same period last year. This steady rise indicates better operational performance, faster turnaround, and stronger coordination within the freight ecosystem. The Ministry of Railways believes these numbers reflect not only improved infrastructure but also the trust industries place in the rail network.
Beyond industrial growth, the Railways emphasised the environmental advantages of transporting bulk commodities by train. Rail transport helps reduce road congestion, lowers carbon emissions, and offers an affordable and sustainable logistics option for businesses across the country. This shift supports India’s long-term goals of greener mobility and efficient freight transportation.
By crossing the one billion tonne mark ahead of schedule, Indian Railways has demonstrated its expanding capacity and its significant role in powering India’s logistics backbone. This achievement is expected to further strengthen economic activity, promote sustainable freight practices, and reinforce the Railways’ position as a key driver of national development.
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