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The Ministry of Railways has said that Indian Railways reported a record freight loading of 135.46 million tonnes (MT) in June 2024, marking an increase of 12.40 MT compared to the same period last year. It stated this growth represents a robust improvement of approximately 10.07 per cent year-on-year, highlighting the railways’ enhanced operational efficiency and increased demand for freight services.

Financially, Indian Railways also recorded substantial earnings from freight operations during June 2024. The revenue generated amounted to Rs 14,798.11 crore, which reflects a notable increase of Rs 1,481.29 crore or 11.12 per cent compared to the earnings of Rs 13,316.81 Crore in June 2023. This financial achievement underscores the railways’ pivotal role in India’s logistics sector and its contribution to the national economy.

During June 2024, Indian Railways demonstrated its robust logistical capabilities by efficiently handling a diverse array of freight categories, each contributing significantly to the railways’ record-breaking performance. Coal shipments led the tally with 60.27 million tonnes (MT), excluding imported coal, highlighting the railways’ pivotal role in fuel transportation for various industries. Imported coal followed closely with 8.82 MT, underscoring India’s reliance on global energy resources. 

Iron ore transportation amounted to 15.07 MT, emphasizing Indian Railways’ crucial support to the mining and steel sectors. The transportation of pig iron and finished steel reached 5.36 MT, indicating substantial movement within the manufacturing and construction industries. Cement shipments, excluding clinker, totalled 7.56 MT, supporting infrastructure development across the country. Additionally, Indian Railways transported 5.28 MT of clinker, essential for cement production, and 4.21 MT of foodgrains, contributing to food security initiatives. The transportation of fertilizers amounted to 5.30 MT, facilitating agricultural productivity. Mineral oil shipments totalled 4.18 MT, crucial for various industrial and consumer applications.