Indian Railways' freight loading rises 4% to 142.21 MT in June; passenger traffic grows to 63.81 crore

New Delhi: Indian Railways registered steady growth in both freight transportation and passenger services during June 2026, with freight loading increasing by 4 percent year-on-year to 142.21 million tonnes (MT) and passenger traffic rising to 63.81 crore, reflecting sustained demand across key sectors and continued expansion of rail services.

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According to an official statement, Indian Railways loaded 142.21 MT of freight in June 2026, up from 136.71 MT in the corresponding month last year. Freight earnings also witnessed healthy growth, generating an additional revenue of around Rs 430 crore, marking a 3 percent increase over June 2025.

Among the major commodities, fertilizer loading recorded the highest growth of 19.1 percent, followed by Balance & Other Goods at 17.3 percent, iron ore at 9.4 percent, clinker at 7.2 percent, domestic coal at 4.9 percent and total coal at 3.6 percent, indicating sustained demand from core sectors of the economy.

During the first quarter of FY2026-27 (April-June), Indian Railways transported 419.08 MT of freight, compared with 413.05 MT during the corresponding period of the previous financial year. The quarter also saw iron ore loading increase by 7.44 percent, clinker by 6.54 percent and Balance & Other Goods by 12.16 percent year-on-year.

To meet the higher fuel requirements of thermal power stations during the extended summer season, Indian Railways enhanced domestic coal transportation, supplying 7 percent more coal to power plants in June 2026 compared with the same month last year, helping ensure uninterrupted power generation across the country.

On the passenger front, Indian Railways carried 63.81 crore passengers during June 2026, compared with 62.37 crore passengers in June 2025.

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The non-suburban segment, which includes short and long-distance travel, registered a 3.9 percent increase in passenger traffic, rising from 28.90 crore to 30.04 crore passengers. The suburban segment also posted a 0.9 percent growth, with passenger numbers increasing from 33.46 crore to 33.77 crore.

Indian Railways also continued expanding its premium passenger services. The number of Vande Bharat train services has increased to 164, including the recently introduced Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Howrah and Kamakhya. Meanwhile, the Amrit Bharat network has expanded to 72 services following the launch of four new trains during June 2026, aimed at improving affordable long-distance connectivity.

The Railways Ministry said the sustained growth in freight loading and passenger traffic reflects its continued focus on strengthening logistics, enhancing operational efficiency, expanding capacity and modernising passenger services while supporting India's economic growth.

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