New Delhi: Indian Railways registered a 6.14% year-on-year increase in freight loading in September 2026, transporting 135.35 million tonnes of goods against 127.52 million tonnes in the corresponding month last year, according to the Ministry of Railways.

The growth was supported by increased loading across several major commodity segments, including foodgrains, clinker, coal, containers and steel. Freight revenue during September also rose by Rs 1,266 crore compared with September 2025, marking a growth of 9.3%.

According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release issued on October 13, the railways continued to record growth in freight transportation during the first half of the current financial year.

Foodgrain Loading Jumps 25%

Among the major commodities, foodgrain loading recorded the highest growth at 25% in September, followed by clinker at 20% and domestic containers at 10%.

Coal loading increased by 9%, while the balance category of other goods registered growth of 8.2%. Mineral oil loading rose by 6%, finished steel by 5.5% and iron ore by 5.2% compared with the same month last year.

The increase in freight movement highlights the continued role of rail transportation in moving essential commodities and industrial raw materials across the country.

Coal Supply to Power Plants Increases

Indian Railways also stepped up domestic coal transportation to power plants during September. The average number of coal rakes supplied daily increased to 443, compared with 397 in September 2025, registering growth of 11.6%.

On a cumulative basis, freight loading reached 833.7 million tonnes during April-September 2026, an increase of 4.1% over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Freight revenue during the six-month period also registered growth of 3.7%, according to the ministry.

The latest figures indicate continued expansion in railway freight movement, with increased transportation of foodgrains, coal and other commodities contributing to the overall performance during the first six months of the financial year.