Railways Sets New Records In Passenger And Freight
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Railways Sets New Records In Passenger And Freight

Indian Railways reported record performance in 2025–26, registering gains in both passenger operations and freight. Passenger carriage rose to 7,410 mn in the year, an increase of 3.54 per cent over 7,160 mn in 2024–25, while passenger revenue increased to Rs 800 bn, up 5.96 per cent from Rs 755 bn. These outcomes reflect improvements in operational efficiency and growing reliance on rail transport for mobility and commerce.

Freight loading reached 1,670 mn t in 2025–26, a rise of 3.25 per cent year on year, driven by higher bulk movements and improved logistics. The number of wagons handled increased to 29,186,475 from 27,912,271 in the previous year, a rise of 4.56 per cent, indicating greater capacity utilisation. This steady expansion positioned rail as a preferred mode for cost effective and efficient bulk transport.

Growth in key commodities supported the freight surge, with fertilisers rising by 13.49 per cent and pig iron and finished steel by 13.11 per cent, reflecting stronger agricultural and industrial demand. Iron ore transport increased by 6.74 per cent to 190.12 mn t and cement loading grew by 4.74 per cent to 157.17 mn t, underpinning ongoing infrastructure activity. Freight earnings amounted to Rs 1,777.54 bn, up 1.44 per cent from Rs 1,753.02 bn, with iron ore, cement and steel among the top revenue contributors.

Zone wise performance was broadly positive, led by South Western Railway with a 14.89 per cent increase and strong double digit gains in North Central at 12.62 per cent, East Coast at 10.42 per cent and West Central at 10.06 per cent. Several other zones recorded modest growth, supporting balanced regional development and enhanced freight handling capacity across the network. The combined improvement in passenger and freight metrics is expected to sustain the railway system’s contribution to national connectivity and economic growth.

Indian Railways reported record performance in 2025–26, registering gains in both passenger operations and freight. Passenger carriage rose to 7,410 mn in the year, an increase of 3.54 per cent over 7,160 mn in 2024–25, while passenger revenue increased to Rs 800 bn, up 5.96 per cent from Rs 755 bn. These outcomes reflect improvements in operational efficiency and growing reliance on rail transport for mobility and commerce. Freight loading reached 1,670 mn t in 2025–26, a rise of 3.25 per cent year on year, driven by higher bulk movements and improved logistics. The number of wagons handled increased to 29,186,475 from 27,912,271 in the previous year, a rise of 4.56 per cent, indicating greater capacity utilisation. This steady expansion positioned rail as a preferred mode for cost effective and efficient bulk transport. Growth in key commodities supported the freight surge, with fertilisers rising by 13.49 per cent and pig iron and finished steel by 13.11 per cent, reflecting stronger agricultural and industrial demand. Iron ore transport increased by 6.74 per cent to 190.12 mn t and cement loading grew by 4.74 per cent to 157.17 mn t, underpinning ongoing infrastructure activity. Freight earnings amounted to Rs 1,777.54 bn, up 1.44 per cent from Rs 1,753.02 bn, with iron ore, cement and steel among the top revenue contributors. Zone wise performance was broadly positive, led by South Western Railway with a 14.89 per cent increase and strong double digit gains in North Central at 12.62 per cent, East Coast at 10.42 per cent and West Central at 10.06 per cent. Several other zones recorded modest growth, supporting balanced regional development and enhanced freight handling capacity across the network. The combined improvement in passenger and freight metrics is expected to sustain the railway system’s contribution to national connectivity and economic growth.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sabarmati Riverfront Two Plots Up for Auction at Rs2.24 bn Base Price

Two commercial plots on the western bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront will be auctioned with a base price of Rs 112 crore each, equivalent to Rs 1.12 bn apiece and Rs 2.24 billion in total. The parcels are located adjacent to the Metro Rail Bridge in Ahmedabad and form the first commercial offering after a prolonged pause. The Riverfront Development Corporation has framed the sale as part of a phased commercial release to revive development along the riverfront. The combined base valuation has been set by the corporation to reflect market rates along the riverfront. The corporation has fixed a ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Connect Over One Million Streetlights

Andhra Pradesh will undertake a statewide smart streetlighting programme across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), bringing around 1.05 million (mn) streetlights under an AI enabled monitoring and management system. The programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) with the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration under the state Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. The project aims to convert conventional streetlighting into a digitally managed municipal service monitored and maintained remotely. The initial phase will cover abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

AMC To Procure Four Machines For Guard Rail Cleaning

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will introduce four specialised machines for cleaning guard railings along major roads and the central verges of BRTS and Metro corridors. The civic body plans to replace manual labour with mechanised cleaning to improve maintenance of road infrastructure and greenery. The purchase is estimated at Rs 82.8 million (mn), excluding GST. The proposal sets the base price of each machine at about Rs 20.7 million (mn) so four units total Rs 82.8 million (mn) before GST. 18 per cent GST will be applicable separately. During the warranty period each machine will operate ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement