Indian Railways recorded a 9% year-on-year increase in freight loading in July 2026, transporting 141.3 million tonnes of cargo compared with 129.7 million tonnes in the same month last year. The growth was driven by higher movement of key commodities, including iron ore, coal, fertilisers and food grains, according to data released by the Ministry of Railways on Monday.
Iron ore registered the highest growth among major commodities, with loading rising 22.2% over July 2025. Fertiliser loading increased 12%, while coal and food grains each recorded an 11.5% rise. The “balance other goods” category grew 12.1%.
The Railways also stepped up domestic coal supply to thermal power plants, increasing dispatches by 20% compared with the corresponding month last year to meet higher power demand.
Higher freight movement translated into stronger earnings, with freight revenue increasing by ₹1,137 crore over July 2025, an 8% year-on-year rise. Among the railway zones, East Central Railway and Eastern Railway recorded the highest freight revenue growth at 33% each, followed by West Central Railway at 23% and South Eastern Railway at 10.33%.
Passenger traffic also registered growth during the month. Indian Railways carried 63.35 crore passengers in July 2026, up from 62.19 crore in July 2025, reflecting increased travel across both suburban and non-suburban services.
The Ministry of Railways attributed the overall performance to sustained improvements in freight logistics, operational efficiency, capacity expansion and passenger services, saying the network continues to support economic activity, energy security and mobility across the country.
