Indian Railways continued its freight growth momentum in the initial two months of FY 2026–27, loading 145 million tonnes of freight by May 2026, a 1.3% increase from the previous year. Despite disruptions from the West Asia conflict affecting logistics and supply chains, the railways focused on ensuring smooth movement of essential goods nationwide.
The growth was driven by strong performances in iron ore, steel, fertilisers, and other goods segments. The railways prioritized the uninterrupted transportation of essential commodities through efficient asset utilization and operational monitoring.
In passenger services, Indian Railways transported over 61 crore passengers in May 2026, showing an increase from the previous year’s around 59 crore passengers. The non-suburban segment notably saw a 7.4% rise, indicating a continued preference for rail travel for both short and long-distance journeys.
Among major commodities, the Balance Other Goods segment saw a robust 16% growth, while iron ore loading, pig iron & finished steel loading, and fertilisers loading also increased. Coal, a significant part of railway freight traffic, maintained steady growth, with a nearly 1% increase from the previous year.
Indian Railways intensified monitoring of domestic and EXIM container traffic to ensure smooth freight movement and support economic activities. The operation of summer special trains and the expansion of modern train services have enhanced passenger convenience.
With sustained freight growth, strong performance in key commodity segments, and increasing passenger patronage, Indian Railways remains a crucial part of the nation’s transportation network, fostering economic activity and connecting people across the country.
