Indian Railways Freight Loading Up 1.68% To 1,617 Million Tonnes In FY25

The Indian Railways reported a 1.68% increase in originating freight loading, reaching 1,617.38 million tonnes in fiscal 2025, compared to 1,590.68 million tonnes in the previous fiscal, according to the rail ministry.

"Loading for domestic coal registered a growth of 7.4%, whereas domestic containers recorded a growth of 19.72%. Fertiliser loading recorded a growth of 1.25%, while petroleum, oil, and lubricants loading witnessed an increase of 0.61%," said the Ministry in a statement.

"In terms of loading achieved by zonal railways, Eastern Railway achieved a growth of 16.11%, while South East Central Railway showed a growth of 7.28%. Northeast Frontier Railway registered an upward trend with 4.21% growth," it added.

Other zones, including Northern Railway, East Central Railway, and South Central Railway, also showed growth, with 3.89%, 2.82%, and 2.14%, respectively.

The ministry also noted that due to the Indian Railways' significant coal loading, power house stock reached 57 million tonnes.

"The railways are crucial for transporting bulk commodities which are essential for industry and energy — coal for power plants; iron ore and finished steel for manufacturing and construction; food foodgrains for national distribution; fertilisers for agriculture; and petroleum products for transportation and other purposes," said Dilip Kumar, executive director for information and publicity at the Railway Board.

"For long distances and bulk goods, rail transport has been more economical than road transport. This helps reduce overall logistics costs for businesses, making Indian goods more competitive domestically and internationally," he further said.

Kumar added that the railways linked mines, factories, agricultural regions, and ports with markets across the country, enabling seamless supply chains.