Indian Railways Freight Loading Rises 6.14% to 135.35 Million Tonnes in September 2026

Indian Railways recorded a 6.14% year-on-year rise in freight loading in September 2026, with total volumes reaching 135.35 million tonnes, compared with 127.52 million tonnes in the same month last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Railways.

Several major commodity segments contributed to the growth, with food grain loading leading the way at 25%. Clinker volumes increased by 20%, domestic container traffic rose by 10% and coal loading grew by 9%. Balance Other Goods recorded growth of 8.2%, while mineral oil increased by 6%, finished steel by 5.5% and iron ore by 5.2%.

Cumulative Freight Loading Rises 4.1%

Between April and September 2026, Indian Railways handled 833.7 million tonnes of freight, marking a 4.1% increase over the corresponding period last year. Freight revenue during the six-month period also grew by 3.7%.

The September results point to continued growth across key freight categories, including food grains, coal, containers, steel and iron ore. The figures also underline the importance of rail transportation in moving essential commodities and industrial goods across the country.

Coal Supplies to Power Plants Increase

Indian Railways stepped up domestic coal transportation to power plants during September. The average number of coal rakes supplied daily increased to 443, compared with 397 in September 2025, representing an 11.6% rise.

Freight revenue also registered an increase during the month, rising by 12.66 billion compared with September last year, equivalent to growth of 9.3%.