Freight Movement of Indian Railways Surpasses 1,465 MT in FY24-25
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As of March 15, 2025, Indian Railways has achieved a freight loading of 1,465.371 MT in FY 2024-25, an increase from the previous year's total of 1,443.166 MT. The organization aims for a target of 3,000 MT by 2027.
Key Takeaways
- Freight loading reached 1,465.371 MT in FY 2024-25.
- Ambitious target of 3,000 MT set for 2027.
- Freight contributes 65% of Indian Railways' revenue.
- 34,000 km of new tracks added in 11 years.
- Dedicated Freight Corridors enhance operational efficiency.
New Delhi, March 15 (NationPress) Indian Railways has successfully loaded 1,465.371 metric tonnes (MT) of freight in FY 2024-25 to date, a notable increase from the 1,443.166 MT recorded throughout the entire financial year of 2023-24, as per the latest data released by the Ministry of Railways.
The Indian Railways has set a challenging goal of loading 3,000 MT of freight by the year 2027.
According to the ministry, Indian Railways is making steady progress toward this ambitious target, achieving 1,465.371 MT in FY 2024-25 as of March 2.
Freight is the cornerstone of Indian Railways, accounting for nearly 65 percent of its revenue, with coal, iron ore, and cement making up over 60 percent of freight loading and revenue generation through freight operations.
Over the past 11 years, the movement of both freight and passenger trains has seen a significant boost, with the addition of more than 34,000 km of new railway tracks across the nation.
The establishment of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) has also increased the speed of freight train operations.
In January, the DFC achieved a significant milestone in freight train operations, setting a new standard for logistics and transportation efficiency in India.
According to the Ministry, an average of 391 trains were operated daily on DFC tracks in January 2025. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) managed an average of 209 trains per day, while the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) operated 182 trains per day.
This accomplishment demonstrates the growing dependence on DFC for efficient and seamless freight transportation, reinforcing its role as a vital component for industrial and economic development, as stated by a railway official.
By successfully rerouting 100 percent of freight traffic from East Central Railway and North Central Railway to EDFC, the freight corridor has alleviated pressure on nearby zonal railways, facilitating the smooth operation of Mahakumbh Special trains on congested routes.
The DFC has been instrumental in supporting the Prayagraj Division during the Maha-Kumbh Mela, ensuring the effective movement of both passenger and freight trains.
To accommodate the rising demand for both passenger and freight train operations, locomotive production for Indian Railways has surged. During 2024-25 until January, 1,346 locomotives were manufactured, marking an increase of over 9 percent compared to the 1,235 locomotives produced in 2023-24.
