Indian Railways recorded a 5.4 per cent year-on-year growth in freight loading in August 2026, while also expanding passenger connectivity with the regularisation of 14 Amrit Bharat services and commissioning of five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the national transporter loaded 137.9 million tonnes of freight in August 2026, compared to 130.9 million tonnes during the same month last year.
Freight revenue also increased by 6.27 per cent compared to August 2025, reflecting continued demand for rail transportation from key sectors of the economy.
Growth in key commodities
Several major commodity segments registered growth during the month. Iron ore loading increased by 12.1 per cent, clinker by 10.4 per cent, domestic container loading by 9.2 per cent and coal by 6 per cent.
Finished steel loading rose by 4.9 per cent, mineral oil by 3.1 per cent, fertilisers by 1.6 per cent and other goods by 8.2 per cent.
The rise in freight movement is expected to support industries by providing reliable transportation for essential inputs, finished goods and other commodities across regions. Higher container movement is also strengthening rail-based logistics for a wider range of goods.
Five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals
Indian Railways commissioned five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) in August, taking the cumulative number of commissioned terminals to 149 as of August 31, 2026.
The new terminals are located at Shivlakha in Gujarat, Nalli in Tamil Nadu, Shaktinagar in Uttar Pradesh, Deoragram in Madhya Pradesh and Brajrajnagar in Odisha.
The expansion of the GCT network is aimed at bringing freight-handling facilities closer to production and consumption centres, improving last-mile connectivity and facilitating faster movement of goods.
14 Amrit Bharat services regularised
Passenger connectivity also received a boost in August with 14 Amrit Bharat services regularised, taking the total number of Amrit Bharat services to 86.
The services connect major cities and regional centres across states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Among the routes covered are Subedarganj-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Gorakhpur-Bandra Terminus, Gorakhpur-Delhi Junction, Ahmedabad-Bhagalpur, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Prayagraj Junction, Prayagraj Junction-Udhna Junction and Dhanbad-Coimbatore.
The regularisation of these services is expected to provide passengers with additional affordable and comfortable long-distance travel options.
The Gorakhpur-Bandra Terminus and Gorakhpur-Delhi services are expected to strengthen connectivity between Purvanchal and two major metropolitan regions, while the Ahmedabad-Bhagalpur service will provide another direct link between Gujarat and Bihar.
The Dhanbad-Coimbatore service will strengthen connectivity between eastern and southern India, particularly between major industrial and employment centres.
Passenger traffic rises
Indian Railways carried 67.27 crore passengers in August 2026, compared to 64.43 crore passengers in August 2025.
Suburban passenger traffic recorded particularly strong growth of 9.02 per cent, with 38.01 crore passengers travelling during August 2026 compared to 34.89 crore during the corresponding month last year.
More special trains during festival season
To meet increased passenger demand during the festival season, Indian Railways operated 144 trips of Rakshabandhan Special trains between August 25 and 31, compared to 48 trips operated between August 8 and 14, 2025.
The additional services provided greater travel capacity during the peak festival period and helped passengers travelling to their hometowns and families manage the seasonal rush.
The developments during August reflect Indian Railways’ continued focus on expanding passenger connectivity, strengthening freight infrastructure and responding to changing travel and logistics demand.
