6.14% growth registered in freight loading in September 2026 over September 2025: Indian Railways

The Indian Railways loaded 135.35 million tonnes of freight in September 2026, compared to 127.52 million tonnes in September 2025, registering a 6.14% growth over the corresponding month last year, the Railway Board said on Tuesday (October 13, 2026).

"Several major commodity segments recorded strong growth during the month," a press note issued by the board said, adding that foodgrain loading grew by 25%, clinker by 20%, domestic container by 10% and coal by 9%.

Highlighting the efforts to step up domestic coal supply to power houses during September, it said, "The average number of coal rakes supplied per day increased to 443 rakes, compared to 397 rakes per day in September 2025, registering an 11.6% growth."

"Freight revenue during September 2026 increased by ₹1,266 crore over September 2025, registering a 9.3% growth," the board said.

Outlining the growth on a cumulative basis, it said, "Indian Railways loaded 833.7 million tonnes of freight during April-September 2026, registering 4.1% growth over the corresponding period last year. Freight revenue during the same period recorded 3.7 per cent growth."

"Indian Railways recorded continued growth in freight and passenger segments during September 2026, with higher freight loading, and growth across several key commodity categories," the press note said, though it did not provide comparative data on passenger traffic.