As India advances towards its goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy, the need for efficient, reliable and scalable logistics has become central to that ambition. Indian Railways—one of the country’s most vital economic arteries—is playing a growing role by transporting goods and passengers at unprecedented scale, lowering logistics costs and enabling faster, more sustainable industrial growth. The network also serves the mobility needs of a rapidly expanding population, carrying more than two crore (20 million) passengers daily and reinforcing its position as the backbone of India’s transport system.

Up to November 2025, cumulative freight loading has risen by 3.3 per cent to 1.0708 billion tonnes. Notably, Indian Railways has transported more freight in the first eight months of FY 2025–26 than it did in the whole of 2013–14, when annual loading stood at 1.055 billion tonnes.

This sustained momentum is strengthening supply chains, supporting domestic and international trade and creating a more cost-efficient and sustainable logistics ecosystem. With rail transport costing roughly half as much as road haulage, this cost advantage translates into significant savings for businesses and broader economic gains.

The shift of bulk commodities to rail has benefits that extend well beyond commercial performance. Rail transport cuts carbon emissions, eases highway congestion and offers industries—including MSMEs—a greener and more dependable logistics alternative. This aligns with India’s commitment to Net Zero goals and reinforces Railways’ role as a driver of both economic and environmental progress.

In November 2025 alone, Indian Railways recorded freight loading of 135.7 million tonnes, a 4.2 per cent increase over 130.2 million tonnes in November 2024.

Growth has been fuelled by strong performance across key commodity segments: Pig Iron and Finished Steel (up 16 per cent), Iron Ore (9.7 per cent), Fertilisers (10.6 per cent), Containers (6.8 per cent) and Balance Other Goods (23.6 per cent). The expansion reflects healthy diversification in freight movement and continued strengthening of industrial demand.