Indian Railways freight volumes jump 6.1% to 135.5 million tonnes in September

Indian Railways reported a 6.14% year-on-year rise in freight loading for September, moving 135.5 million tonnes of goods. Coal, a key fuel for power plants, increased its share by 9% and the average daily supply of coal rakes grew 11.6% to 443 units. Significant gains were also recorded in food grains (25%), clinker (20%), domestic containers (10%) and other commodity groups.

Freight revenue climbed Rs 1,266 crore, marking a 9.3% increase from the previous year’s September. The railway aims to lift total freight volumes to 3,000 mt by 2031 and expects to finish one outlet financial year around 1,750 mt. In the first two quarters of 2026-27, freight tonnage reached 833.7 mt, up 4.1% year-on-year.