Indian Railways freight loading rises 5.4% in August, 2026

Indian Railways recorded a 5.4% year-on-year increase in freight loading in August 2026, handling 137.9 million tonnes compared with 130.9 million tonnes in the same month last year.

Freight revenue also increased by 6.27% during the month, reflecting continued growth in rail-based freight movement and demand from key industrial sectors.

Among major commodities, iron ore loading increased 12.1%, while clinker rose 10.4% and domestic container loading grew 9.2%. Coal loading increased 6%, finished steel 4.9%, mineral oil 3.1% and fertiliser loading 1.6%. Loading of balance other goods increased 8.2%.

The growth in containerised freight is particularly significant for India's multimodal logistics network, providing industries with greater access to rail-based transportation for the movement of diverse cargo.

Indian Railways also commissioned five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) in August, taking the total number of commissioned terminals to 149 as of August 31, 2026.

The new terminals are located at Shivlakha in Gujarat, Nalli in Tamil Nadu, Shaktinagar in Uttar Pradesh, Deoragram in Madhya Pradesh and Brajrajnagar in Odisha.

GCTs are designed to bring rail freight-handling facilities closer to production and consumption centres. They can help improve first- and last-mile connectivity, reduce avoidable cargo movement and support faster evacuation of freight from industrial and commercial locations.

The expansion of the GCT network is also strengthening the integration of railways with India's wider logistics infrastructure, giving industries additional options for moving bulk commodities, containers and other freight.

The August performance comes as Indian Railways continues to expand freight infrastructure and improve cargo-handling capabilities to support industrial activity and strengthen rail's role in India's logistics network.