From April to September 2023, a total freight loading of 758.20 million tonnes (MT) was achieved, marking a significant increase of approximately 21.52 MT compared to the previous year when it was 736.68 MT. This boost in freight loading also resulted in higher revenue for the Railways, with earnings reaching Rs. 81,697 crore (US$ 9.81 billion) in contrast to the previous year’s Rs. 78,991 crore (US$ 9.49 billion), indicating a rise of around Rs. 2,706 crore (US$ 235.23 million) during the same period compared to the previous year.
In September 2023, the Railways witnessed an originating freight loading of 123.53 MT, a notable increase from the 115.80 MT recorded in September 2022, representing a growth of approximately 6.67% year-over-year. Furthermore, the freight revenue in September 2023 amounted to Rs. 12,956.95 crore (US$ 1.55 billion), surpassing the previous year’s figure of Rs. 12,332.70 crore (US$ 1.48 billion) by approximately 5.06%.
Throughout September 2023, Indian Railways handled diverse cargoes, including 59.70 MT of coal, 14.29 MT of iron ore, 5.78 MT of pig iron and finished steel, 6.25 MT of cement (excluding clinker), 4.89 MT of clinker, 4.54 MT of foodgrains, 4.23 MT of fertilizer, 4.0 MT of mineral oil, 7.28 MT of containers, and 10.10 MT of various other goods.
Indian Railways’ dedication to enhancing the ease of conducting business and providing cost-effective services, as embodied in the “Hungry for Cargo” approach, has been consistent. This achievement was made possible through a customer-centric strategy, the efforts of Business Development Units, and prompt policy decisions, all of which contributed to this significant milestone.
