Indian Railways recorded a 4% year-on-year increase in freight loading to 142.21 million tonnes in June 2026, while passenger traffic rose to 63.81 crore. Freight earnings also increased by around ₹430 crore, driven by higher transportation of fertilisers, iron ore, clinker, and coal, reflecting strong operational performance in the first quarter of FY2026-27.
Key Highlights
- Indian Railways freight loading increased 4% to 142.21 million tonnes in June 2026.
- Freight earnings rose by around ₹430 crore, registering a 3% year-on-year growth.
- Passenger traffic increased to 63.81 crore during June.
- Vande Bharat services expanded to 164, while Amrit Bharat train services reached 72.
New Delhi, July 02: Indian Railways continued its strong operational performance in June 2026, recording growth in both freight transportation and passenger traffic, reflecting rising economic activity and increasing demand for rail services across the country.
According to the Ministry of Railways, Indian Railways loaded 142.21 million tonnes of freight during June 2026, compared with 136.71 million tonnes in the corresponding month last year, registering a 4% year-on-year increase.
The higher freight volumes also translated into improved financial performance, with freight earnings increasing by approximately ₹430 crore, representing a 3% rise over June 2025.
Among the major commodities transported, fertiliser loading recorded the highest growth of 19.1%, followed by Balance and Other Goods at 17.3%, iron ore at 9.4%, clinker at 7.2%, domestic coal at 4.9%, and total coal at 3.6%, highlighting sustained industrial and infrastructure activity.
The strong monthly performance further strengthened Indian Railways’ first-quarter performance during FY2026-27.
Between April and June 2026, the national transporter handled 419.08 million tonnes of freight, compared with 413.05 million tonnes during the same period of the previous financial year.
Quarterly freight growth remained broad-based, with iron ore loading increasing by 7.44%, clinker by 6.54%, and Balance and Other Goods by 12.16%, reflecting higher demand from manufacturing, construction, and core sectors of the economy.
To support the country’s growing electricity demand during the extended summer season, Indian Railways also enhanced coal transportation, supplying 7% more domestic coal to thermal power plants in June compared with the same month last year.
Passenger services also witnessed steady expansion during the month. Indian Railways carried 63.81 crore passengers in June 2026, compared with 62.37 crore passengers in June 2025.
The non-suburban segment, covering both short-distance and long-distance travel, registered a 4% increase, with passenger numbers rising from 28.90 crore to 30.04 crore.
Meanwhile, the suburban railway network also recorded positive growth, with passenger traffic increasing from 33.46 crore to 33.77 crore, reflecting continued demand for urban rail transportation.
Indian Railways also continued to expand its premium passenger services. The number of Vande Bharat Express services has now increased to 164, including the recently launched Vande Bharat Sleeper service connecting Howrah and Kamakhya.
In addition, Amrit Bharat Express services have expanded to 72 following the introduction of four new trains during June, further strengthening affordable long-distance connectivity for passengers across the country.
The sustained growth in freight, passenger traffic, and premium rail services highlights Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to improve logistics efficiency, enhance passenger convenience, and support India’s economic growth through modern railway infrastructure and services.
Conclusion
The latest performance figures demonstrate Indian Railways’ continued operational strength, with higher freight loading, rising passenger traffic, and expanding premium train services. Growth in freight movement of key commodities such as fertilisers, coal, and iron ore, combined with increasing passenger demand and network expansion, reinforces the railway’s critical role in supporting India’s economy, logistics network, and infrastructure development.
