New Delhi: Indian Railways has registered its highest-ever freight loading for October, transporting 145.07 million tonnes of goods during the month, compared with 133.93 million tonnes in October 2025. This represents a year-on-year growth of 8.32%, reflecting strong performance in freight transportation and the railways’ continued contribution to India’s logistics and economic growth.
The growth was supported by increased transportation of major commodities, including food grains, domestic coal, other goods and containers. Higher freight loading and improved operational performance also highlight Indian Railways’ efforts to strengthen the country’s transportation infrastructure and meet rising logistics requirements.
During April–October 2026, Indian Railways recorded cumulative freight loading of 978.78 million tonnes, compared with 935.10 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous financial year, registering a growth of 4.67%.
Indian Railways Freight Loading Increases 8.32% in October 2026
Indian Railways recorded encouraging growth across several major commodity categories during October 2026.
Food grains emerged as one of the strongest-performing segments, with loading increasing by 26.3% compared with October 2025. Domestic coal loading registered growth of 16%, while Balance Other Goods increased by 11%.
The commodity-wise freight loading growth during October 2026 included:
- Food Grains: Increased by 26.3%.
- Domestic Coal: Increased by 16%.
- Balance Other Goods: Increased by 11%.
- Clinker: Increased by 10.4%.
- Domestic Containers: Increased by 6.3%.
- Iron Ore: Increased by 5%.
- Mineral Oil: Increased by 1.9%.
- Finished Steel: Increased by 0.5%.
The increase across these segments contributed to the overall improvement in freight transportation and strengthened Indian Railways’ performance during the month.
Read also: Indian Railways Records 22.5% Growth in Coal Loading in October 2026, Dispatches 87 More Rakes Daily
Coal Supply to Power Houses Rises 19.5% in October
Indian Railways significantly increased domestic coal transportation during October 2026 to meet the growing requirements of power houses.
The average number of coal rakes supplied per day increased to 469.8 during October 2026, compared with 393.2 rakes per day in October 2025. This represents a growth of 19.5% year-on-year.
The higher rake supply reflects Indian Railways’ role in ensuring the movement of essential commodities, particularly coal required for electricity generation.
Efficient coal transportation remains important for supporting power generation requirements and maintaining the country’s energy supply chain.
Freight Loading Reaches 978.78 Million Tonnes During April–October 2026
Indian Railways continued its positive freight growth trend during the first seven months of FY 2026-27.
Between April and October 2026, total freight loading reached 978.78 million tonnes, compared with 935.10 million tonnes during the corresponding period of FY 2025-26.
The cumulative loading registered a year-on-year increase of 4.67%, surpassing the performance recorded during the same period last year.
The growth reflects sustained demand for rail-based transportation and Indian Railways’ efforts to improve freight handling capacity, operational efficiency and logistics connectivity.
Indian Railways Passenger Traffic Also Records Growth
Alongside freight transportation, Indian Railways also recorded growth in passenger traffic during October 2026.
The national transporter carried 64.72 crore passengers during the month, compared with 63.52 crore passengers in October 2025.
Passenger movement also remained positive during April–October 2026. Indian Railways carried 443.8 crore passengers during the seven-month period, compared with 431.4 crore passengers in the corresponding period of the previous year.
The segment-wise passenger traffic performance showed:
- Non-Suburban Segment: Passenger traffic increased by 4.2%.
- Suburban Segment: Passenger traffic increased by 1.7%.
The increase in passenger numbers reflects continued growth in rail travel across suburban and non-suburban networks.
Indian Railways Strengthens Freight and Passenger Transportation
The growth in freight loading and passenger traffic highlights Indian Railways’ continued efforts to strengthen transportation infrastructure and support India’s economic development.
Higher freight movement across essential commodities, particularly food grains and domestic coal, demonstrates the importance of railways in supporting industrial activity, power generation and the country’s supply chains.
Through capacity augmentation, improved operational efficiency and better utilisation of its transportation network, Indian Railways continues to enhance its role as a key contributor to India’s logistics sector and economic growth.
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