Indian Railways Freight Loading Up 6.1% to 135.5 Million Tonnes in September

Indian Railways experienced a notable increase in freight transportation during September 2026, moving a total of 135.5 million tonnes (mt) of goods. This marked a 6.14 percent rise compared to the same month in the previous year, reflecting steady growth in the nation's freight sector.

The transport of coal, a critical commodity for power generation and a subject of recent scrutiny due to concerns about shortages, showed a significant boost. According to the Ministry of Railways, coal loading expanded by 9 percent in September compared to September 2025. This improvement aligns with the Railways' efforts to enhance domestic coal supply to power stations.

The ministry highlighted that the average daily number of coal rakes supplied to power plants increased to 443 in September 2026, up from 397 daily rakes in the corresponding period the year before. This represents an 11.6 percent growth in coal rake dispatch, underscoring the Railways' commitment to supporting the energy sector.

Several other commodity categories also recorded strong growth during the month, contributing to the overall increase in freight volumes. Food grain shipments surged by 25 percent, while clinker, a material used in cement production, rose by 20 percent. Domestic containers saw a 10 percent increase, and other goods, classified as balance other goods, grew by 8.2 percent. Mineral oil freight rose by 6 percent, finished steel by 5.5 percent, and iron ore by 5.2 percent.

The rise in freight loading translated into improved financial performance for Indian Railways. Freight revenue for September 2026 climbed by Rs 1,266 crore over the previous year's figure for the same month, indicating a 9.3 percent growth. This near-double-digit increase reflects the Railways' ability to capitalize on rising freight volumes.

Looking ahead, Indian Railways has set ambitious targets to further boost freight traffic. The organization aims to transport 3,000 million tonnes of freight annually by the year 2031. For the current financial year, it anticipates reaching approximately 1,750 million tonnes.

Reviewing the first two quarters of the 2026-27 financial year, Indian Railways loaded 833.7 million tonnes of goods, which represents a 4.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Freight revenue for these six months also showed growth, rising by 3.7 percent.

These figures indicate a positive trajectory for Indian Railways' freight business, which is a crucial segment of the national transporter’s operations. Freight services not only generate significant revenue but also play a vital role in supporting various industries and the overall economy by ensuring timely delivery of raw materials and finished products.

Indian Railways has traditionally been the backbone of freight transport in the country, especially for bulk commodities like coal, iron ore, and food grains. Its extensive network and cost advantages make it a preferred mode of transportation for heavy goods over long distances. The recent growth in freight loading suggests that the Railways continues to strengthen its position amidst evolving market demands and infrastructure challenges.

As the organization works towards its long-term freight volume goals, initiatives such as increasing rake availability, optimizing logistics, and enhancing operational efficiency will likely remain central. Coordination with key sectors such as power, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing will also be essential to sustain and accelerate growth.

In summary, the September 2026 statistics reflect Indian Railways' ongoing progress in expanding freight capacity and revenue. The increase in coal transportation supports energy supply stability, while gains in other commodities indicate broader industrial activity. These developments contribute to the Railways’ strategic vision of becoming a more prominent freight carrier in the years to come.