Indian Railways (IR) carried 141.3 million tonnes of freight during July 2026, compared to 129.7 million tonnes in July 2025, registering a healthy nine per cent year-on-year (yoy) growth.
The performance was on the back of sustained demand across core sectors of the economy and continued efforts to improve freight logistics and operational efficiency.
Sectoral performance
Iron ore loading increased by 22.2 per cent yoy, coal by 11.5 per cent, food grains by 11.5 per cent, fertilizers by 12 per cent and balance other goods by 12.1 per cent, reflecting strong demand from infrastructure, manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
Increase in coal demand at thermal power plants prompted IR to step up coal supply by 20 per cent yoy in July.
Freight revenue increases
The increase in freight loading resulted in incremental freight revenue of ₹1,137 crore over July 2025, registering an 8 per cent yoy growth.
Among the zonal Railways, East Central Railway (33 per cent), Eastern Railway (33 per cent), West Central Railway (23 per cent) and South Eastern Railway (10.33per cent) were the biggest gainers in freight revenue.
Passenger traffic grows
IR conveyed 63.35 crore passengers during July 2026, compared to 62.19 crore in July 2025. Passenger traffic continued to grow across both suburban and non suburban segments.
