DELHI (Metro Rail News): During October 2026, Indian Railways recorded increased freight loading and higher earnings, transporting 145.07 million tonnes of freight during this month. This marks the highest ever freight loading recorded by Indian Railways for October, reflecting its effort to support economic growth and strengthen the country’s logistic sector.
Compared to October 2025, when freight loading stood at 133.93 million tonnes, Indian Railways registered a growth of 8.32% in October 2026.
Several commodities recorded freight loading growth
Several commodities recorded significant growth in freight loading during October 2026 compared to the corresponding month in 2025.
| Commodities | Increased Freight Loading |
| Food Grains | 26.3% |
| Domestic Coal | 16.0% |
| Balance Other Goods | 11.0% |
| Clinker | 10.4% |
| Domestic Container | 6.3% |
| Iron Ore | 5.0% |
| Finished steel | 0.5% |
| Mineral Oil | 1.9% |
Indian Railways boosted domestic coal transportation so it could meet the increased requirements of power houses. It supplied 469.8 rakes per day during October 2026 compared to 393.2 rakes in the corresponding month last year, recording a growth of 19.5 per cent.
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The growth recorded during the first seven months of the FY 2026-2027 (April-October 2026) reflects an improvement in freight transportation compared to the corresponding period last year. Indian Railways recorded freight loading of 978.78 million tonnes, compared to 935.10 million tonnes during April-October 2025, registering a growth of 4.67%
Growth in passengers
There was also an increase in passenger traffic during October 2026. Indian Railways carried 64.72 crore passengers during October 2026, compared to 63.52 crore passengers in October 2025. During the first seven months of FY 2026-27 (April-October 2026), Indian Railways carried 443.8 crore passengers, compared to 431.4 crore passengers during the corresponding period last year.
The Non-Suburban segment recorded growth of 4.2%, while the Suburban segment registered an increase of 1.7% during this period. The significant rise in freight loading reflects Indian Railways’ efforts towards strengthening the country’s logistics sector and supporting economic growth. Through capacity augmentation and improved operational efficiency, Indian Railways continues to enhance its transportation network.
Also Read: Indian Railways Freight Loading Rises 6.14% in September as Coal and Food Grain Traffic Grows
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