Railways Record Cargo And Passenger Growth In 2025–26

07 Apr 2026 CW Team

Indian Railways recorded a landmark performance in 2025–26, transporting 1,670 million tonnes (mn t) of cargo and 741 crore passengers, equal to 7,410 million (mn) passengers. The ministry noted that both sectors registered growth of over three per cent and defined billion (bn) for fiscal reporting. Total revenue reached approximately Rs 800 billion (bn) in 2025–26, representing a 5.96 per cent increase over the previous year.

The cargo segment expanded by 3.25 per cent while passenger numbers rose by 3.54 per cent, indicating sustained demand for rail services. Revenue growth was driven by stronger passenger traffic and earnings, with total receipts rising from Rs 755 billion (bn) in 2024–25 to Rs 800 bn in 2025–26. The ministry said that these figures underscored the expanding role of rail transport in national mobility and finances.

Wagon handling increased by 4.56 per cent, with numbers rising from 27,912,271 in 2024–25 to 29,186,475 in 2025–26, reflecting improvements in operational throughput. Freight momentum was led by fertilisers, which grew 13.49 per cent, and pig iron and steel, which grew 13.11 per cent, signalling strong activity in core industrial sectors. Iron ore transport rose by 6.74 per cent to 190.12 million tonnes (190.12 mn t) and cement loading increased by 4.74 per cent to 157.17 mn t, supporting ongoing infrastructure and construction work.

Zone-wise results showed broad-based gains, with South Western Railway registering the highest increase at 14.89 per cent and North Central, East Coast and West Central railways posting double-digit growth of 12.62 per cent, 10.42 per cent and 10.06 per cent respectively. The ministry attributed the performance to capacity augmentation, operational efficiency and rising reliance on rail-based logistics by key sectors. Officials indicated that the trends positioned railways as a preferred mode for bulk commodity movement and a key partner in national infrastructure development.

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