The Indian Railways marked a significant accomplishment by attaining the highest-ever freight loading in history. This stands as one of the most notable achievements for the national transporter since gaining independence. In the fiscal year 2022-23, a freight loading of 1512 Metric Tonnes (MT) was recorded, showcasing an incremental increase of 94 MT from the previous fiscal year, FY 2021-22, during which the railways achieved a freight loading of 1418 MT.
A retrospective examination of freight loading over the past six financial years reveals a consistent upward trajectory. In FY 2017-18, the national transporter achieved a freight loading of 1161 MT, followed by 1223 MT in FY 2018-19, 1210 MT in FY 2019-20, 1233 MT in FY 2020-21, 1418 MT in FY 2021-22, and culminating in the highest recorded figure of 1512 MT in the preceding fiscal year. Consequently, the railways experienced a growth streak spanning 31 consecutive months of the best-ever monthly freight loading, a trend that commenced in September 2020.
The exceptional performance in freight loading can be attributed to various factors. Notably, one key factor was the sustained efforts of Indian Railways in the supply of coal to powerhouses throughout the country. This endeavour was carried out in close coordination with the Ministry of Power and Coal. In the last financial year, the loading of coal exhibited a substantial growth of 84 MT compared to FY 2021-22.
