Iron Ore Loading Jumped 22.2%, Fertilisers Rose 12%, While Food Grains and Coal Each Gained 11.5%, and Other Goods Climbed 12.1%.

Indian Railways posted a 9% year-on-year rise in freight loading for July 2026, moving 141.3 million tonnes versus 129.7 million tonnes a year earlier, the Ministry of Railways said. The growth was driven by higher volumes of iron ore, coal, fertilisers, and food grains, reflecting sustained demand and improved logistics efficiency. Iron ore loading jumped 22.2%, fertilisers rose 12%, while food grains and coal each gained 11.5%, and other goods climbed 12.1%.

Coal supplies to thermal power plants increased 20% year-on-year. Freight revenue grew by Rs 1,137 crore, an 8% rise over July 2025. East Central and Eastern Railways led zonal growth at 33% each, followed by West Central at 23% and South Eastern at 10.33%. Passenger traffic also expanded, with 63.35 crore riders in July versus 62.19 crore a year earlier, with gains across suburban and non-suburban routes. The ministry highlighted ongoing efforts in capacity expansion and customer-focused initiatives to bolster the rail network's role in economic growth and energy security.