New Delhi: Indian Railways registered a robust 9 per cent growth in freight loading during July at 141.3 million tonnes, compared with 129.7 million tonnes during the corresponding month of the previous year, leading to improved revenue generation and enhanced movement of key commodities across the country, according to an official statement issued on Monday.
Several major commodity groups recorded a strong double-digit year-on-year growth during July 2026.
Iron ore loading increased by 22.2 per cent, coal and foodgrains by 11.5 per cent, fertilisers by 12 per cent, and “balance other goods” by 12.1 per cent, reflecting the strong demand from infrastructure, manufacturing and agricultural sectors. With the increase in coal demand at thermal power plants, Indian Railways stepped up domestic coal supply to power plants by 20 per cent in July compared to the corresponding month last year, the statement said.
The increase in freight movement resulted in an incremental freight revenue of Rs 1,137 crore over July 2025, registering an 8 per cent growth. Among the Zonal Railways, the East Central Railway and the Eastern Railway both recorded a 33 per cent surge in freight revenue, the West Central Railway registered a 23 per cent rise while the South Eastern Railway clocked a 10.33 per cent increase.
There was also a healthy growth in the passenger segment. Indian Railways carried 63.35 crore passengers during July 2026, compared to the corresponding figure of 62.19 crore in the same month last year. Passenger traffic continued to grow across both suburban and non-suburban segments, reflecting the growing preference for rail travel across the country, the statement observed.
“Indian Railways remains committed to strengthening freight logistics, enhancing passenger services and expanding modern rail infrastructure. Through sustained improvements in operational efficiency, capacity augmentation and customer-centric initiatives, Indian Railways continues to play a vital role in supporting India’s economic growth, energy security and seamless mobility for millions of passengers every day,” the statement added.
(IANS)
