Indian Railways clocks 4% freight growth in Feb; Revenue up to ₹14,500 crore

Indian Railways reported freight performance for February 2026, carrying 137.72 million tonnes (MT) of cargo and registering a 3.96% year-on-year growth. The increase in volume resulted in a rise in earnings, with freight revenue for the month amounting to ₹14,572 crore, representing a 2.97% increase from ₹14,152 crore recorded in February 2025.

The Indian Railways attributed the strong monthly performance to the sustained demand and movement of core commodities, particularly coal, iron ore, finished steel, fertilizers, cement, and container traffic.

The key highlights for February 2026 show positive growth across core metrics. Total freight loading reached 137.72 MT, marking a 3.96% increase from 132.48 MT in the previous year. This rise in volume translated to a freight revenue of ₹14,571.99 crore, which is up by 2.97%.

Furthermore, transport output, measured in net tonne kilometers (NTKM), also saw a jump, rising 4.18% to 76,007 million NTKM from 72,955 million NTKM last year.

Data from the railways' daily freight loading position showed substantial year-on-year jumps across several crucial sectors. Raw materials for steel plants (excluding iron ore) saw the sharpest daily spike, soaring by 46.9%. Iron ore loading rose by 27.6% (0.675 MT), while pig iron and finished steel grew by 20.8% (0.343 MT).

Other notable gainers included mineral oil and EXIM container traffic, both growing by 17.8%, and fertilisers, which increased by 10.2%.

On a cumulative monthly basis for February, fertiliser loading was a standout performer, jumping 27.7% to 5.396 MT. Clinker volumes rose by 20.1% to 6.508 MT, and iron ore grew 9.7% to 16.370 MT. Container traffic also maintained a steady upward trajectory across both domestic and international (EXIM) segments.

“Rail freight remains one of the most economical and environmentally efficient modes of transportation for bulk goods, helping industries move raw materials and finished products across long distances in a reliable and cost-effective manner,” the Railways stated in an official press release.

Between April 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, the railways carried a cumulative 1,503.80 million tonnes of freight, marking a 3.28% increase over the same period last year. Corresponding freight revenue for this 11-month window reached ₹1,60,987 crore, a 1.54% increase year-on-year. Total freight movement output for the fiscal year currently stands at 840,000 million NTKM (up 1.62%).

Officials note that ongoing capacity augmentation, the operationalisation of dedicated freight corridors, and upgraded terminal infrastructure are actively helping businesses move goods more efficiently. With these continued investments, Indian Railways aims to further reduce national logistics costs and cement its role as the backbone of India's economic growth, added the official release.