Railways registers highest-ever freight loading data

12 Feb 2021 CW Team

Indian Railways registered the highest ever freight loading figures of 119.79 mt in January 2021, according to a statement by the Indian Railways.

The last best-recorded data was in March 2019 with 119.74 mt. Indian Railways has used the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to improve all-round efficiencies and performances, especially as the lockdown halted road transport for a substantial period of time.

The Ministry of Railways in a statement said that as per the statistics till February 2021, freight loading was at 30.54 mt which includes 13.61 mt of coal, 4.15 mt of iron ore, 1.04 mt of foodgrains, 1.03 mt of fertilisers, 0.96 mt of mineral oil and 1.97 mt of cement (excluding clinker).

The ministry also said that a number of concessions and discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make freight movement attractive.

Freight loading of the Indian Railways for the last few months have crossed last year's loading and earnings for the same period. Cumulative freight loading is expected to surpass last year's freight loading figures.

On 27 July 2020, the total freight loading was 3.13 mt, which is higher than in the same period from the last year. On 27 July 2020, a total of 1,039 rakes loaded with freight which included 76 rakes of foodgrain, 67 rakes of fertiliser, 49 rakes of steel, 113 rakes of cement, 113 rakes of iron ore and 363 rakes of coal.

Make in Steel 2021

24 February

Click for event info

4th Indian Cement Review Conference 2021

17-18 March

Click for event info

Freight loading for the month of September 2020 surpassed last year’s figure for the same period in both financial and loading terms.

Loading crossed last year’s loading for the same period by more than 10% while earnings from freight is also Rs 129.68 crore higher than last year’s earnings for the same period.

In September 2020, Indian Railways loading was 19.19 mt, which is 10.41% higher compared to last year’s loading for the same period.

To attract new business and incentivise other existing clients, the railways ministry has held meetings with the top leadership of iron and steel, cement, power, coal, automobiles and logistics service providers.

Business development units at zonal and divisional levels and a near doubling of freight speed are contributing to sustainable growth momentum.

Image: The railways has been offering discounts and concessions to incentivise rail freight.

Also read: Double-stacked "python" rolls out on WDFC

Indian Railways registered the highest ever freight loading figures of 119.79 mt in January 2021, according to a statement by the Indian Railways. The last best-recorded data was in March 2019 with 119.74 mt. Indian Railways has used the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to improve all-round efficiencies and performances, especially as the lockdown halted road transport for a substantial period of time. The Ministry of Railways in a statement said that as per the statistics till February 2021, freight loading was at 30.54 mt which includes 13.61 mt of coal, 4.15 mt of iron ore, 1.04 mt of foodgrains, 1.03 mt of fertilisers, 0.96 mt of mineral oil and 1.97 mt of cement (excluding clinker). The ministry also said that a number of concessions and discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make freight movement attractive. Freight loading of the Indian Railways for the last few months have crossed last year's loading and earnings for the same period. Cumulative freight loading is expected to surpass last year's freight loading figures. On 27 July 2020, the total freight loading was 3.13 mt, which is higher than in the same period from the last year. On 27 July 2020, a total of 1,039 rakes loaded with freight which included 76 rakes of foodgrain, 67 rakes of fertiliser, 49 rakes of steel, 113 rakes of cement, 113 rakes of iron ore and 363 rakes of coal.Make in Steel 202124 February Click for event info4th Indian Cement Review Conference 202117-18 March Click for event info Freight loading for the month of September 2020 surpassed last year’s figure for the same period in both financial and loading terms. Loading crossed last year’s loading for the same period by more than 10% while earnings from freight is also Rs 129.68 crore higher than last year’s earnings for the same period. In September 2020, Indian Railways loading was 19.19 mt, which is 10.41% higher compared to last year’s loading for the same period. To attract new business and incentivise other existing clients, the railways ministry has held meetings with the top leadership of iron and steel, cement, power, coal, automobiles and logistics service providers. Business development units at zonal and divisional levels and a near doubling of freight speed are contributing to sustainable growth momentum.Image: The railways has been offering discounts and concessions to incentivise rail freight. Also read: Double-stacked python rolls out on WDFC

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..