Indian Railways experienced growth in freight transportation and passenger numbers in June 2026. Freight loading increased by 4% year-on-year, with 142.21 million tonnes loaded compared to 136.71 million tonnes in the same month last year. Additionally, freight earnings rose by about Rs 430 crore, marking a 3% increase from June 2025.
The growth in freight was driven by various commodities, with fertiliser loading showing the highest increase at 19.1%, followed by other goods at 17.3%, iron ore at 9.4%, clinker at 7.2%, domestic coal at 4.9%, and total coal at 3.6%. This positive performance in June followed the momentum seen in the first quarter of FY2026-27.
During April to June, Indian Railways loaded 419.08 million tonnes of freight, up from 413.05 million tonnes in the same period the previous financial year. Notably, iron ore loading increased by 7.44%, clinker by 6.54%, and Balance and Other Goods by 12.16% over the year-ago period.
To meet the increased power demand during the extended summer season, Indian Railways also enhanced domestic coal transportation, supplying 7% more coal to thermal power plants in June compared to the previous year. Passenger traffic also saw a steady rise, with 63.81 crore passengers carried by Indian Railways in June, up from 62.37 crore in June 2025.
The non-suburban segment, covering short and long-distance travel, witnessed a 4% growth to 30.04 crore passengers from 28.90 crore a year earlier. In contrast, the suburban segment recorded nearly a 1% increase, with passenger numbers rising to 33.77 crore from 33.46 crore. Indian Railways further expanded its premium passenger services, with the number of Vande Bharat train services reaching 164 and Amrit Bharat train services increasing to 72.
