New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Indian Railways has achieved a remarkable 4.2 percent growth in freight loading, reaching 135.7 million tonnes in November this year, compared to 130.2 million tonnes during the same month last year, as detailed in an official statement released on Tuesday.

This impressive growth is largely attributed to significant improvements in the transportation of critical commodity segments, such as pig iron and finished steel (16 percent), iron ore (9.7 percent), fertilizers (10.6 percent), containers (6.8 percent), and various other goods (23.6 percent), showcasing a healthy diversification in freight traffic, the statement noted.

On a cumulative basis, Indian Railways has reported a 3.3 percent increase in freight loading, totaling 1,070.8 million tonnes up to November this year. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as the Indian Railways has transported more freight in just eight months of FY 2025-26 than it did in the entire year of 2013-14, when the total loading was 1,055 million tonnes, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.

This sustained growth is enhancing industrial supply chains, supporting both domestic and international trade, and creating a more sustainable, cost-effective logistics ecosystem. With rail transport being nearly half as expensive as road transport, this cost advantage has substantial implications for businesses, further contributing to broader economic benefits, the statement mentioned.

As an increasing amount of bulk goods transition to rail, the advantages extend beyond mere commercial performance. Rail transport contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions, alleviates highway congestion, and offers industries, including MSMEs, a greener and more dependable logistics option. This transition strengthens India’s commitment to sustainable growth, aligning freight operations with the nation’s Net Zero Carbon Emission goals and further establishing Indian Railways as a crucial driver of both economic and environmental advancement, the statement emphasized.

"As India progresses toward its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, the demand for efficient, reliable, and scalable logistics remains central to this mission. Indian Railways is playing an increasingly vital role by transporting goods on an unprecedented scale, lowering logistics costs, and enabling industries to expand more rapidly and sustainably. Simultaneously, Indian Railways carries over two crore passengers each day, thus strengthening the foundation of India’s transport ecosystem," the statement concluded.