Rail Freight Rises 4.2% in November as Steel, Iron Ore and Fertiliser Volumes Surge
In just eight months of FY2025‑26, the world’s fourth‑largest rail transporter has exceeded the full‑year freight loading of FY2013‑14, recorded at 1,055 MT.
Indian Railways recorded a freight loading of 135.7 million tonnes (MT) in November 2025, marking a 4.2 per cent increase over the 130.2 MT moved during the same month last fiscal, the Ministry of Railways said in a statement on Tuesday.
The growth was driven by increased transport of key commodities such as steel, iron ore, and fertilisers, reflecting strong industrial demand and improved logistics efficiency.
On a cumulative basis, freight loading for the fiscal year to date has reached 1,070.8 MT, up 3.3 per cent. This is particularly significant given that the world’s fourth‑largest rail transporter has already moved more freight in the first eight months of FY2025-26 than it did in the entire FY2013-14, when total loading stood at 1,055 MT.
“This sustained growth is strengthening industrial supply chains, supporting both domestic and international trade, and providing a more sustainable, cost‑efficient logistics ecosystem. With rail transport costing nearly half as much as road transport, the impact of this cost advantage is further amplified—creating substantial savings for businesses and contributing to broader economic gains,” the ministry said.
The surge in freight volumes was led by a 16 per cent rise in pig iron and finished steel, followed by a 9.7 per cent increase in iron ore, 10.6 per cent in fertilisers, 6.8 per cent in container traffic, and a robust 23.6 per cent growth in the ‘balance other goods’ category. These figures reflect healthy diversification in freight traffic and growing reliance on rail for both bulk and containerised cargo.
In parallel, Indian Railways continues to meet the mobility needs of a large and growing population, carrying over 20 million passengers daily across its network.