The Indian Railways announced a record freight loading of 1,670 million tonnes for the fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting a 3.25% increase from the previous year. This growth was largely fueled by a 13% rise in the transport of fertiliser, pig iron, and finished steel. Additionally, iron ore loading increased by 6.73%, while cement loading rose by 3.41%. Despite this achievement, the railways fell short of its target of 1,700 million tonnes for FY26. By February 2026, the railways had already carried 1,503.80 million tonnes, compared to 1,456.07 million tonnes in the same period the previous year. Freight revenue during this period reached ₹1.61 lakh crore, up from ₹1.59 lakh crore the previous year. Looking ahead, the railways projects a total freight loading of 1,765 million tonnes for FY27, with freight earnings expected to rise to ₹1.89 lakh crore, a 5.8% increase from the current fiscal's budgeted amount.