Indian Railways Freight Loading Rises to 145 Million Tonnes; Passenger Traffic Crosses 61 Crore in May 2026

Indian Railways reported growth in both freight and passenger operations during May 2026, with freight loading reaching 145 million tonnes and passenger traffic crossing 61 crore.  

The performance was recorded despite logistical challenges arising from the geopolitical situation in West Asia. 

Key Commodity Segments Drive Freight Growth 

Freight loading during May 2026 increased by 1.3% compared with the same month last year, reflecting continued demand across multiple industrial sectors.  

Among the strongest-performing categories, Balance Other Goods recorded a 16% rise in loading, while fertilisers grew by 6.2%. 

Iron ore transportation increased by 4.8% year-on-year, and Pig Iron & Finished Steel loading rose by 3.5%. These gains helped offset broader global uncertainties and contributed to the overall increase in freight movement across the railway network. 

Coal, which remains the largest component of railway freight traffic, also registered growth of nearly 1%. Indian Railways continued prioritising coal transportation to thermal power plants, closely monitoring movement across the network to support energy requirements. 

Focus on Supply Chain Efficiency 

To ensure smooth movement of goods, Indian Railways maintained continuous operational monitoring and efficient utilisation of assets throughout the month. The organisation also intensified oversight of domestic and EXIM container traffic to support seamless freight movement across regions. 

These measures helped maintain supply chain efficiency and minimise disruptions despite indirect logistical challenges linked to developments in West Asia. 

Passenger Traffic Continues to Expand 

On the passenger side, Indian Railways carried more than 61 crore passengers during May 2026, compared with around 59 crore passengers in the corresponding period last year. 

Growth was led by the non-suburban segment, where passenger numbers increased from 28 crore to 30 crore, representing growth of 7.4%. The increase highlights the continued preference for rail travel for both short-distance and long-distance journeys across the country. 

To manage seasonal demand, Indian Railways operated a large number of Summer Special Trains across multiple routes during the month. 

Modern Train Network Sees Further Expansion 

Indian Railways continued expanding its modern train services during May. The national transporter currently operates 164 Vande Bharat services, including the recently introduced Sleeper Vande Bharat service connecting Howrah and Kamakhya. 

The number of Amrit Bharat services has reached 68, following the inauguration of three new services during May 2026. These additions form part of ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and passenger convenience across the network. 

Read More: IRCTC Share Price in Focus as Rising Vande Bharat Revenue Weighs on Catering Margins! 

Conclusion 

Indian Railways delivered growth across both freight and passenger operations in May 2026, with freight loading reaching 145 million tonnes and passenger traffic surpassing 61 crore. Strong commodity movement and rising passenger demand continued to support the network's performance during the month.   

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