Railways’ Freight Hits Rs 141 Billion Record in August 2025
05 Sep 2025 CW Team
Indian Railways recorded its highest-ever monthly freight earnings in August 2025, with revenue reaching Rs 141 billion, driven by strong cargo growth across key commodities. Monthly freight loading rose by 8.5 per cent to 130.9 million tonnes (MT), up from 120.6 MT in August 2024.
For the period April to August 2025, total freight loading stood at 673.64 MT, compared to 653.22 MT during the same period in FY24, despite challenges such as extended monsoon conditions and moderating power demand, which prompted the rationalisation of coal movement.
A senior official noted a 31 per cent rise in ‘Balance Other Goods’, reflecting cargo diversification and resilience despite global disruptions, including the impact of US tariff uncertainties.
Commodity-wise, August saw:
- 9 per cent growth in coal
- 22 per cent increase in finished steel
- 4.5 per cent rise in mineral oil
- 6 per cent growth in domestic containers
- 5 per cent increase in EXIM (export-import) containers