UditVani, Jamshedpur: Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone this financial year, with cumulative freight loading crossing the 1-billion-tonne benchmark.
As of November 19, total loading has touched 1020 Million Tonnes (MT), showcasing the national transporter’s strong role in supporting India’s industrial and infrastructure growth.
Coal continues to dominate the freight basket at 505 MT, followed by iron ore (115 MT), cement (92 MT), containers (59 MT), pig iron and finished steel (47 MT), fertilisers (42 MT), mineral oil (32 MT), foodgrains (30 MT), raw materials for steel plants (around 20 MT), and other goods contributing 74 MT. The Railways is maintaining a robust average daily loading of 4.4 MT, up from 4.2 MT recorded during the same period last year.
Between April and October 2025, loading has risen to 935.1 MT compared to 906.9 MT in the previous fiscal, marking a healthy year-on-year increase fueled by improved operational efficiency and sustained market demand.
With cement playing a crucial role in India’s infrastructure expansion, the Railways has recently introduced reforms including a dedicated Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals and rationalised container freight rates for cement. These initiatives aim to modernise logistics, boost bulk handling, cut transit time and reduce overall transportation costs—promising significant benefits for industry stakeholders.
Beyond economic gains, the rising preference for rail-based freight is also contributing to environmental sustainability. Increased bulk movement by rail reduces road congestion, lowers emissions and makes greener logistics more accessible, especially for MSMEs.
The Railways’ momentum is seen as pivotal to India’s Net Zero vision, strengthening its position as a key enabler of both national development and climate-friendly progress.
