Increased transport of key commodities like Steel, Iron Ore and Fertilisers boosts November rail freight

By Admin

03 Dec, 2025

Indian Railways continues to strengthen its position as the nation’s logistics backbone, recording robust freight performance in November 2025. Increased movement of key commodities such as steel, iron ore, and fertilisers has significantly contributed to this momentum, highlighting the rail network’s growing role in powering India’s economic ambitions.

Strengthening Supply Chains

The steady rise in freight loading is reinforcing industrial supply chains across sectors. This sustained growth is supporting both domestic and international trade, ensuring industries receive raw materials and finished goods on time. It also fosters a more sustainable and cost-efficient logistics ecosystem that aligns with India’s long-term development goals.

Railways and the $5 Trillion Vision

As India moves closer to becoming a $5 trillion economy, the importance of efficient, reliable, and scalable logistics becomes even more critical. Indian Railways one of the country’s most vital economic lifelines is enabling faster, smoother, and more sustainable movement of goods and passengers. With over two crore passengers transported each day, the rail system remains the backbone of India’s mobility and logistics framework.

Record Freight Performance

Cumulatively up to November 2025, Indian Railways has achieved freight loading of 1,070.8 million tonnes a 3.3% rise from previous levels. Remarkably, the railway network has moved more freight in just eight months of FY 2025–26 than it did in the entire year of 2013–14, when the total loading stood at 1,055 million tonnes. This milestone marks a significant leap in operational efficiency and capacity expansion.

Cost Savings and Economic Impact

Rail transport is nearly 50% cheaper than road transport, giving businesses a strong incentive to shift bulk cargo to rail. This cost advantage boosts profitability for industries, lowers logistics expenses, and contributes to overall economic growth. As a result, more companies including MSMEs are choosing rail for long-haul cargo movements.

Supporting Sustainability Goals

Beyond cost efficiency, the transition to rail offers major environmental benefits. Rail transport reduces carbon emissions, eases highway congestion, and provides a greener logistics pathway. This shift aligns Indian Railways with the nation’s Net Zero Carbon Emission goals, strengthening its role in promoting sustainable industrial development.

November Freight Surge

In November 2025 alone, freight loading reached 135.7 million tonnes a 4.2% increase from 130.2 million tonnes recorded in November last year. The surge was primarily driven by strong performance in key commodity segments:
• Pig Iron and Finished Steel: 16% growth
• Iron Ore: 9.7%
• Fertilisers: 10.6%
• Containers: 6.8%
• Balance Other Goods: 23.6%

These figures reflect healthy diversification in freight traffic and increasing industry preference for rail-based logistics.

Looking Ahead

With continuous improvements in infrastructure, digital systems, and cargo handling capabilities, Indian Railways is steadily evolving into a more efficient and future-ready logistics engine. The rising freight volumes, especially in core industrial commodities, underscore the sector’s resilience and its pivotal role in driving India’s economic and environmental progress.