Indian Railways records highest-ever October freight loading

Indian Railways achieved its highest-ever freight loading for October, transporting 145.07 million tonnes of goods in October 2026, an increase of 8.32 per cent from 133.93 million tonnes recorded in the same month last year, according to official data.The growth was driven by higher transportation of food grains, coal, clinker, iron ore and steel, reflecting increased demand across key sectors of the economy.

Indian Railways posts record October freight loading, passenger traffic rises Indian Railways recorded its highest-ever freight loading for October, transporting 145.07 million tonnes of freight during the month, marking an increase of 8.32 per cent from 133.93 million tonnes in October 2025, an official statement said on Wednesday. ????https://t.co/sEZFY78mC2

— IANS (@ians_india) November 4, 2026

Food grains recorded the highest growth in freight loading at 26.3 per cent, followed by domestic coal at 16 per cent, other goods at 11 per cent and clinker at 10.4 per cent. Domestic container traffic rose by 6.3 per cent, while iron ore loading increased by 5 per cent. Mineral oil and finished steel registered growth of 1.9 per cent and 0.5 per cent, respectively.To meet rising demand from power plants, the Railways also increased domestic coal transportation. The average number of coal rakes supplied daily rose by 19.5 per cent to 469.8 in October 2026, compared with 393.2 in the corresponding month last year.During April–October 2026, Indian Railways transported 978.78 million tonnes of freight, up 4.67 per cent from 935.10 million tonnes in the same period of the previous financial year.
Passenger transportation also recorded an increase during October, with Indian Railways carrying 64.72 crore passengers, compared with 63.52 crore in October 2025, stated report.During April–October 2026, passenger traffic reached 443.8 crore, up from 431.4 crore in the corresponding period last year.The non-suburban passenger segment registered growth of 4.2 per cent, while suburban passenger traffic increased by 1.7 per cent.
Indian Railways said the growth in freight and passenger traffic reflected its continued efforts to expand capacity, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the country's transportation and logistics network. The national transporter is also focusing on infrastructure development to meet rising demand and support economic activity.