New Delhi, April 1 The Railway Ministry announced on Wednesday that it had achieved a new record in cargo transport, carrying 1,670 million tonnes of freight and registering a 3.25 per cent growth over the previous year.
"This achievement reflects sustained improvements in operational efficiency, capacity augmentation, and increasing reliance on rail-based transportation by key sectors of the economy," the ministry said in a press note.
It stated that this was complemented by a 4.56 per cent increase in the number of wagons handled, which rose from 2,79,12,271 in 2024-25 to 2,91,86,475 in 2025-26.
"The steady increase in freight loading highlights the growing demand for reliable, cost-effective, and efficient logistics solutions, positioning Railways as the preferred mode of transport for bulk commodities," the ministry said.
The growth in freight transportation has been largely driven by key sectors such as fertilizers (13.49 per cent), pig iron and steel (13.11 per cent), it said.
Noting that core infrastructure commodities have also played a crucial role in sustaining this momentum, the ministry said, "Iron ore transportation increased by 6.74 per cent, reaching 190.12 MT, while cement loading grew by 4.74 per cent to 157.17 MT."
"These trends indicate ongoing infrastructure development and construction activity across the country, where Railways continues to serve as a vital logistics partner," it added.
Providing zone-wise loading performance, it said that the FY 2025–26 reflects broad-based growth across several regions, with South Western Railway recording the highest increase of 14.89 per cent over the previous year.
"Other zones demonstrating strong double-digit growth include North Central Railway at 12.62 per cent, East Coast Railway at 10.42 per cent, and West Central Railway at 10.06 per cent," the ministry read.