According to official data, Indian Railways recorded its highest-ever freight loading in October 2026. During this period, 145.07 million tonnes of freight were transported, marking an 8.32 per cent increase from the 133.93 million tonnes recorded in October last year. This growth was driven by increased transportation of key commodities such as food grains, coal, clinker, iron ore and steel, reflecting sustained demand across core sectors of the economy.
Among key commodities, food grains recorded the highest growth in freight transportation at 26.3 per cent, followed by domestic coal at 16 per cent, other goods at 11 per cent and clinker at 10.4 per cent. Domestic container traffic registered a growth of 6.3 per cent, while iron ore loading increased by 5 per cent. Mineral oil and finished steel also recorded growth of 1.9 per cent and 0.5 per cent, respectively.
To meet the growing demand from power plants, Indian Railways increased the transportation of domestic coal in October 2026. The average number of coal rakes supplied daily rose to 469.8, up from 393.2 in October 2025—an increase of 19.5 percent. Better performance in October also led to an increase in the railways’ total freight loading during the first seven months of the 2026-27 financial year.
Between April and October 2026, Indian Railways transported 978.78 million tonnes of freight, compared to 935.10 million tonnes during the same period in the previous financial year, this represents an increase of 4.67 percent.
Passenger Traffic Continues to Grow
Indian Railways also witnessed an increase in passenger traffic during October 2026, carrying 64.72 crore passengers compared to 63.52 crore in the corresponding month last year. Indian Railways carried 443.8 crore passengers during April–October 2026, registering an increase from 431.4 crore in the same period last year. Non-Suburban traffic grew by 4.2 per cent, while Suburban traffic rose by 1.7 per cent.
A 4.2 percent increase was recorded in the non-suburban passenger segment, while suburban passenger traffic saw a rise of 1.7 percent. Indian Railways said the rise in freight and passenger traffic highlights its continued efforts to enhance capacity, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the country’s transportation and logistics network.
The national transporter is consistently focusing on infrastructure development and capacity expansion to meet growing demand across the country and support economic activities.
(PIB)
