New Delhi : Indian Railways has achieved a landmark freight milestone this financial year, with cumulative loading surpassing 1 billion tonnes as of November 19, 2025. The total freight handled stands at 1020 million tonnes (MT), underscoring the Railways’ growing role in powering India’s economy.
🚆 Key Sector Contributions
The achievement reflects strong support from multiple industries:
- Coal – 505 MT (largest contributor)
- Iron Ore – 115 MT
- Cement – 92 MT
- Containers – 59 MT
- Pig Iron & Finished Steel – 47 MT
- Fertilisers – 42 MT
- Mineral Oil – 32 MT
- Foodgrains – 30 MT
- Raw Materials for Steel Plants – ~20 MT
- Other Goods – 74 MT
Daily freight volumes remain robust at 4.4 MT, higher than last year’s 4.2 MT, highlighting improved efficiency and sustained demand.
📈 Growth Momentum
Between April and October 2025, freight loading reached 935.1 MT, compared to 906.9 MT during the same period last year. This year‑on‑year growth demonstrates the Railways’ ability to support industrial expansion and infrastructure development.
🏗️ Cement Logistics Reforms
Recognizing cement’s critical role in infrastructure, Indian Railways has introduced reforms such as:
- Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals
- Rationalized rates for containerized cement movement
These measures aim to modernize cement logistics, reduce transit times, cut costs, and enhance supply chain efficiency—benefiting both industry stakeholders and consumers.
🌍 Sustainability Benefits
Shifting bulk cargo to rail offers multiple advantages:
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Decongested highways
- Greener, cost‑effective logistics solutions for industries including MSMEs
This milestone reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable growth and aligns with the nation’s Net Zero Carbon Emission targets, positioning Railways as a driver of both economic and environmental progress.
