Last Updated on April 2, 2026 12:01 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
T N ASHOK
Indian Railways has set a new record of cargo transport in the year 2025-26. The Railways carried a record 1 thousand 670 Million Tonnes (MT) of freight in the year, registering a growth of 3.25% over the previous year.
The Ministry of Railways highlighted that the growth has been largely driven by key sectors such as Fertilisers, ‘Pig Iron and Steel’. This reflects both the rising demand for agricultural inputs across regions and the continued expansion of industrial activity, particularly in the steel sector.
The Ministry said that the core infrastructure commodities have also played a crucial role in sustaining this momentum. It said that Iron Ore transportation increased by 6.74%, reaching 190.12 MT, while Cement loading grew by 4.74% 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. The Ministry said that this strong performance was complemented by a 4.56% increase in the number of wagons handled, which rose from over 2 crore 79 lakh in 2024-25 to over 2 crore 91 lakh in 2025-26. The Ministry noted that the steady rise in freight loading highlights the increasing demand for reliable, cost-effective, and efficient logistics solutions, positioning Railways as a preferred mode of transport for bulk commodities.