Indian Railways records 9 pc growth in freight loading, 8 pc rise in freight revenue in July

New Delhi, Aug 3 (TNT): Indian Railways registered robust growth in both freight and passenger operations during July 2026, recording a 9 per cent increase in freight loading, an 8 per cent rise in freight revenue, and higher passenger traffic compared to the corresponding month last year.

According to official data released on Monday, Indian Railways loaded 141.3 million tonnes of freight during July 2026 against 129.7 million tonnes in July 2025, reflecting sustained demand across key sectors and improved freight logistics.

Loading of major commodities recorded healthy growth, with iron ore increasing by 22.2 per cent, coal by 11.5 per cent, foodgrains by 11.5 per cent, fertilisers by 12 per cent, and other goods by 12.1 per cent.

To meet higher demand from thermal power plants, Indian Railways increased the supply of domestic coal to power plants by 20 per cent over the corresponding month last year.

Freight revenue also maintained an upward trend, registering an incremental revenue of ₹1,137 crore over July 2025, reflecting an 8 per cent year-on-year increase.

Among the railway zones, East Central Railway and Eastern Railway recorded 33 per cent growth each in freight revenue, followed by West Central Railway with 23 per cent and South Eastern Railway with 10.33 per cent.

Passenger traffic also increased during the month, with Indian Railways carrying 63.35 crore passengers compared to 62.19 crore in July 2025, indicating continued growth in both suburban and non-suburban travel.

Indian Railways said it remains focused on strengthening freight logistics, improving passenger services and expanding modern rail infrastructure through capacity augmentation, operational efficiency and customer-centric initiatives.

TNT KS