Railways Achieve Historic Milestones in 2025–26 Fiscal
Serving as the backbone of India’s economy, Indian Railways has achieved unprecedented milestones in the 2025–26 financial year , setting new records in both passenger and freight transportation. Driven by infrastructure expansion, improved operational efficiency, and a growing network , the Railways is accelerating the wheels of national progress.
Sharp Rise in Passenger Traffic
Over the past year, Indian Railways transported approximately 741 crore passengers , up from 716 crore in 2024–25 , registering a 3.54% growth . This reflects rising public preference for rail travel and improved passenger amenities, reinforcing its position as a safe, reliable, and accessible mode of transport .
Revenue on the Rise
Passenger revenue also saw notable growth, increasing from ₹75,500 crore in 2024–25 to ₹80,000 crore in 2025–26 , marking a 5.96% rise . Factors such as simplified ticketing systems, introduction of modern trains like Vande Bharat, and enhanced coach facilities contributed to this growth.
Historic Achievement in Freight Transport
Beyond passenger services, Indian Railways set a new benchmark in freight movement , transporting a record 1,670 million tonnes , a 3.25% increase over the previous year. It played a vital role in transporting coal, steel, and other raw materials , supporting industrial growth.
Improved Wagon Utilisation
Wagon utilisation also improved significantly, rising from 2,79,12,271 in 2024–25 to 2,91,86,475 in 2025–26 , reflecting a 4.56% increase . This has strengthened Railways’ position as a cost-effective and reliable logistics partner .
Surge in Fertiliser and Steel Transport
Freight movement of fertilisers grew by 13.49% , while pig iron and steel transport rose by 13.11% , underscoring strong performance in both agriculture and industrial sectors .
Boost to Infrastructure Development
Railways played a crucial role in supporting construction activity nationwide. Iron ore transport increased by 6.74% to 190.12 million tonnes , while cement movement rose by 4.74% to 157.17 million tonnes , highlighting its contribution to infrastructure development .
Strong Performance Across Zones
Various railway zones recorded impressive growth, with South Western Railway leading at 14.89% , followed by North Central Railway (12.62%) , East Coast Railway (10.4%) , and West Central Railway (10.06%) , all achieving double-digit growth in freight operations.
South Central Railway Tops the Chart
The Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway set a new record by earning ₹5,907.20 crore in gross revenue in 2025–26. Passenger segment revenue grew by 9.9% , reaching ₹1,523.90 crore , with around 7.41 crore passengers using its services.
In freight operations, the division transported 40.631 million tonnes , generating ₹4,166 crore in revenue. Despite concessions to the power sector, this performance remained strong. Ticket checking drives yielded a record ₹76.3 crore , while punctuality stood at 86.7% .
Divisional Railway Manager Mohit Sonakia stated that the division also completed automatic block signalling and third railway line works , enhancing operational efficiency.
Passenger Safety and Services
To improve passenger experience, the division introduced new lifts and escalators , eliminated level crossings , and operated over 5,200 special trains during peak periods. The Vijayawada–Chennai Vande Bharat Express was extended to Narasapuram , improving regional connectivity.
Other Zones Show Progress
Zones such as Eastern Railway, North Eastern Railway, and North Western Railway also reported positive growth. Meanwhile, South Central Railway grew by 2.59% and Western Railway by 3.57% , indicating balanced regional development .
Freight Revenue at ₹1,77,754 Crore
Freight earnings rose from ₹1,75,302 crore in 2024–25 to ₹1,77,754 crore in 2025–26 , a 1.44% increase . Major contributors included:
• Iron ore: ₹14,600.51 crore
• Cement: ₹13,599 crore
• Steel: ₹12,181 crore
• Fertilisers: ₹9,039 crore
• Food grains: ₹8,312.5 crore
• Mineral oils: ₹7,249.54 crore
Efficient Management Driving Growth
These achievements stem from not just technology, but also the dedicated efforts of railway staff and strategic planning by senior officials . Measures such as faster freight movement and reduced loading/unloading time have enhanced efficiency and profitability.
Environment-Friendly Transport
Compared to road transport, railways are more eco-friendly , helping reduce carbon emissions through large-scale freight movement. Indian Railways is emerging as a model for sustainable transport systems .
Digitalisation and Modernisation
Reforms such as station modernisation, digital payments, and online freight booking have improved transparency and user convenience, encouraging businesses to increasingly rely on rail transport.
Driving India’s Growth
Indian Railways plays a pivotal role in achieving the vision of a $5 trillion economy , by reducing logistics costs and enhancing global competitiveness of Indian goods. From common passengers to major industries , its impact is widespread.
The results of 2025–26 mark the beginning of a golden era for Indian Railways . With rising passenger satisfaction and record-breaking freight performance, it is poised to achieve even greater milestones, continuing to be a key force in nation-building .