Indian Railways Freight Earnings Hit Record Rs 14,100 Crore in August 2025
New Delhi – The indian Railways has achieved a historic milestone, posting its highest-ever monthly freight earnings of Rs 14,100 crore in august 2025. Strong sectoral performance and diversification across cargo categories contributed to this record-breaking revenue.
1. Freight Volume Growth
2. Sectoral Performance Driving EarningsFreight growth was fueled by strong performance in key sectors:
3. Quarterly and Yearly Trends
4. Coal: The Backbone of rail Freight
5. Key Takeaways
1. Freight Volume Growth
- Total Freight Volume: 130.9 million tonnes in august, up from 120.6 million tonnes in august 2024 (8.5% growth).
- Cumulative FY26 Freight: 673.6 million tonnes, a 3.1% increase over the previous year.
2. Sectoral Performance Driving EarningsFreight growth was fueled by strong performance in key sectors:
- Coal: 9% increase
- Finished Steel: 22% increase
- Fertilizers: Good uptake
- Mineral Oil: 4.5% increase
- Domestic Containers: 6% increase
- Exim Containers (Exports & Imports): 5% increase
- Other Goods: 31% increase
3. Quarterly and Yearly Trends
- Q1 FY26 (Apr–Jun): Freight volumes rose 2% YoY to 413 million tonnes; freight revenue up 2% to Rs 44,870.4 crore.
- July 2025: Freight revenue growth almost reached double digits, signaling momentum going into the second half of the year.
4. Coal: The Backbone of rail Freight
- Coal remains over half of the indian Railways’ freight basket.
- August’s earnings could have been even higher if coal loading had been stronger.
- Coal freight is expected to pick up post-monsoon in Q3, further boosting earnings.
5. Key Takeaways
- Indian Railways’ freight operations are experiencing consistent growth, supported by diversified cargo categories.
- Record earnings in august 2025 demonstrate resilience against global trade disruptions.
- Continued growth in coal and steel shipments, along with container traffic, will likely maintain momentum through FY26.