Indian Railways has crossed the one-billion-tonne mark in freight loading this year, reaching 1,020 million tonnes as of 19 November. The performance underscores the system’s vital role in supporting India’s industrial and economic expansion.

Coal remained the largest contributor at 505 million tonnes, followed by iron ore at 115 million tonnes, cement at 92 million tonnes, container traffic at 59 million tonnes, pig iron and finished steel at 47 million tonnes, fertilisers at 42 million tonnes, mineral oil at 32 million tonnes, foodgrains at 30 million tonnes and around 20 million tonnes of raw materials for steel plants. The remaining categories accounted for 74 million tonnes. Daily loading continues to average around 4.4 million tonnes, higher than 4.2 million tonnes recorded last year, reflecting stronger operational efficiency and steady demand.

Freight loading between April and October also maintained this momentum, reaching 935.1 million tonnes in 2025 compared with 906.9 million tonnes in the same period last year — a clear year-on-year increase.

Recognising the crucial role of cement in national infrastructure development, Indian Railways has implemented several reforms to streamline logistics for the sector. The introduction of the Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals and rationalised rates for bulk cement movement in containers marks a strategic effort to modernise cement transport, increase handling capacity, cut transit time and lower logistics costs. These reforms will improve efficiency across the supply chain and support wider industrial growth.

Shifting bulk cargo to rail delivers benefits that extend beyond commercial gains. It reduces carbon emissions, decongests highways and provides greener logistics options for industries, including MSMEs. These developments align with India’s commitment to sustainable growth and its journey towards Net Zero emissions, positioning Indian Railways as a key driver of both economic progress and environmental stewardship.