Freight Transport by Indian Railways Reaches 1.47 Million Tonnes from April to February
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Synopsis
In a remarkable achievement, Indian Railways has loaded 1,465.371 million tonnes of freight in the current fiscal year, surpassing last year's total. The ambitious target of 3,000 MT by 2027 signals continued growth in freight transport, showcasing the vital role of DFCs in enhancing efficiency and capacity.
Key Takeaways
- Indian Railways loaded 1,465.371 MT of freight in FY 2024-25.
- Ambitious target of 3,000 MT freight loading by 2027.
- Freight contributes about 65% of Indian Railways' revenue.
- 34,000 km of new railway tracks added in 11 years.
- DFC operations have significantly improved freight train speeds.
New Delhi, March 15 (NationPress) Indian Railways has successfully transported 1,465.371 million tonnes (MT) of freight during the first 11 months of FY 2024-25, an increase from 1,443.166 MT recorded in the entire financial year of 2023-24, as per the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Railways.
Setting a bold objective, Indian Railways aims to achieve 3,000 MT of freight loading by 2027.
The ministry stated, “Indian Railways is making significant strides towards its ambitious goal of loading 3,000 MT of freight, having accomplished 1,465.371 MT in FY 2024-25 until March 2.”
Freight services are integral to Indian Railways, contributing nearly 65 percent of its earnings, with coal, iron ore, and cement accounting for more than 60 percent of freight volume and revenue.
Over the past 11 years, the movement of freight and passenger trains has surged, with the addition of over 34,000 km of new railway tracks nationwide.
The establishment of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) has also accelerated the speed of freight trains.
In January, the DFC achieved a noteworthy milestone in freight operations, establishing a new standard for logistics and transportation efficiency in India.
The Ministry reported that an average of 391 trains were operated daily on DFC tracks in January 2025, with the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) managing 209 trains and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) operating 182 trains daily.
This progress underscores the growing dependence on DFC for effective and efficient freight movement, solidifying its role as a cornerstone for industrial and economic development, as noted by a railway official.
By fully redirecting freight traffic from East Central Railway and North Central Railway to the EDFC, the freight corridor has alleviated pressure on neighboring zonal railways and facilitated the unhindered operation of Mahakumbh Special trains on busy routes.
The DFC has been pivotal in supporting the Prayagraj Division during the Maha-Kumbh Mela, ensuring both passenger and freight trains run smoothly and efficiently.
To accommodate the heightened demand for more passenger and freight trains, locomotive production for Indian Railways has surged, with 1,346 locomotives manufactured during 2024-25 until January, reflecting an increase of over 9 percent from the 1,235 locomotives produced in 2023-24.
