Indian Railways reported that they had loaded 128.29 million tonnes (MT) of freight during April 2024. It was noted that this marked a 1.46% increase compared to the freight loading of 126.45 MT for April 2023. They also mentioned that this achievement marked the 55th consecutive month of recording the highest ever freight loading since October 2020.
It was stated that the revenue earnings from freight during the month amounted to Rs 140.75 billion, showing an increase from Rs 138.93 billion in April 2023. It was further detailed that during April 2024, Railways loaded 57.64 MT in Coal, 14.88 MT in Iron Ore, 5.24 MT in Pig Iron and Finished Steel, 6.79 MT in Cement, 4.75 MT in Clinker, 3.85 MT in Foodgrains, 4.01 MT in Fertilizers, 4.16 MT in Mineral Oil, 6.57 MT in Containers, and 9.54 MT in Balance Other Goods.
For the entire fiscal year ending in March 2024, Indian Railways loaded 1591 MT of freight, an increase from 1512 MT in the previous fiscal year. They highlighted that records were set in railway electrification, new lines, and track replacement during the fiscal year 2023-24. Within the freight loading segment, the Railways transported 787.61 MT of Coal, 180.95 MT of Iron ore, 153.80 MT of Cement, and 114.36 MT as Balance Other Goods for the full fiscal year 2023-24.
An official noted that this accomplishment was a result of the 'Hungry For Cargo' initiative of Indian Railways, aimed at enhancing service delivery at competitive prices.
