Indian Railways Expands Freight Capacity in Aug 2026, Freight Loading Grows by 5.4% Over Aug 2025
New Delhi:
Port Wings News Network:
August 2026 witnessed significant expansion in railway connectivity and services across the country, with Indian Railways recording growth in both passenger movement and freight loading.
During the month, 14 Amrit Bharat services were regularised, providing more affordable and comfortable travel options to passengers across several important routes, while 5 new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) were commissioned to improve last-mile freight connectivity for industries.
Indian Railways also recorded 5.4 per cent growth in freight loading, reflecting continued demand from key sectors of the economy.
More Freight Movement, Supporting Industry and the Economy
Indian Railways loaded 137.9 million tonnes of freight during August 2026, compared to 130.9 million tonnes in August 2025, registering a 5.4 per cent year-on-year growth.
The increase in freight movement reflects growing demand from key sectors such as coal, iron ore, steel, fertilizers and other commodities. Higher rail freight movement also helps industries access reliable transportation while supporting the movement of essential commodities across regions.
Freight revenue during August 2026 increased by 6.27 per cent compared to August 2025, indicating continued strengthening of the freight business of Indian Railways.
Higher Movement of Key Commodities Supports Industry and Essential Supply Chains
Several important commodity groups recorded healthy growth during August 2026. Iron Ore loading increased by 12.1 per cent, Clinker by 10.4 per cent, Domestic Container by 9.2 per cent and Coal by 6 per cent. Finished Steel loading increased by 4.9 per cent, Mineral Oil by 3.1 per cent, Fertilizers by 1.6 per cent and Balance Other Goods by 8.2 per cent.
The growth in these segments strengthens the rail-based supply chain for industries and supports the movement of essential inputs and finished goods across the country. Increased container movement, in particular, supports more efficient transportation of diverse goods through the rail network.
5 New Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals to Improve Freight Connectivity
In August 2026, 5 new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals were commissioned, taking the cumulative number of commissioned GCTs to 149 as on 31 August 2026.
The newly commissioned terminals are at -Shivlakha, Gujarat; Nalli, Tamil Nadu; Shaktinagar, Uttar Pradesh; Deoragram, Madhya Pradesh; and Brajrajnagar, Odisha.
The expansion of the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal network brings freight-handling facilities closer to production and consumption centres. By enabling more direct and efficient handling of goods, these terminals can reduce avoidable movement, improve logistics efficiency and facilitate faster evacuation of freight from industrial and commercial locations. The growing GCT network is also helping strengthen the integration of railways with India’s wider logistics infrastructure, giving industries greater access to rail-based freight transportation.
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