Indian Railways has maintained its freight growth momentum by loading 145 million tonnes of freight in May 2026 despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. A 1.3% increase was also seen in freight growth over the previous year.
The growth was driven by high performance in Iron Ore, Steel, Fertilisers and Balance Other Goods segments. This growth was recorded despite the global market turbulence in West Asia, which indirectly impacted the growth and supply chain.
Across major commodities, Balance Other Goods recorded a solid growth of 16%, while Iron Ore loading increased by 4.8% and Pig Iron & Finished Steel loading grew by 3.5% over the corresponding period of the previous year. Loading of fertilizers also recorded a healthy growth of 6.2%, reflecting the Railways’ commitment towards supporting key sectors of the economy.
Coal, which is the backbone of railway freight traffic, was seen maintaining steady growth with loading increasing by nearly 1% over 2025. Indian Railways accorded priority to coal movement and closely monitored its transit across the network to meet the requirements of thermal power plants, and ensure energy security.
Indian Railways took clear measures to sustain freight growth and maintain supply chain efficiency under challenging circumstances through intense monitoring of both domestic and EXIM container traffic to facilitate seamless freight movement and support economic activity across regions.
With sustained growth in freight loading, strong performance across key commodity segments, Indian Railways continues to strengthen its role as the backbone of the nation’s transportation network, facilitating economic activity and connecting people across the country.
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