Indian Railways Hits Record Highs in Freight & Passenger Growth for FY26

Indian Railways registered strong, well-rounded progress in FY 2025-26, achieving record freight loading of 1,670 million tonnes and advancing passenger services with new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Safety was enhanced through the expansion of the indigenous Kavach system across thousands of route kilometres. Digital transformation continued with the RailOne app and a crackdown on unfair ticketing practices. Infrastructure development accelerated with new cargo terminals, station redevelopment, and improved connectivity in regions like the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir.

Key Points: Indian Railways FY26 Record Freight & Passenger Growth

  • Record 1,670 MT freight loading
  • Vande Bharat Sleeper train rollout
  • Kavach system on 3,100+ route km
  • 35 new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals
  • Over 3 crore suspicious ticketing accounts removed
3 min read

Indian Railways registers strong FY26 growth with record freight, passenger gains

Indian Railways achieves historic freight loading, expands Vande Bharat services, and enhances safety with Kavach in a transformative FY 2025-26.

"record freight and passenger performance... historic improvements in safety - Ashwini Vaishnaw"

New Delhi, April 5

Indian Railways has recorded a year of strong and well-rounded progress in FY 2025-26, achieving significant milestones across freight operations, passenger services, infrastructure development, safety systems, digital initiatives with advancing self-reliance in technology and manufacturing. These accomplishments underscore its critical role in supporting economic activity, enhancing connectivity, and ensuring efficient mobility across the country.

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, took to X to underscore the transformative progress of Indian Railways in FY 2025-26. He highlighted record freight and passenger performance, the introduction and expansion of Vande Bharat services, including the new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, historic improvements in safety through reduced accidents and enhanced systems, and strengthened station and terminal infrastructure, all of which have enriched connectivity and improved the passenger experience nationwide.

Rail operations remained robust throughout the year, with approximately 25,000 trains running daily, ensuring widespread connectivity. Additional special train services were introduced during peak demand periods, improving travel convenience and accessibility for passengers.

Freight transportation reached a historic high, with 1,670 million tonnes of loading achieved during the year. This growth reflects Indian Railways' capacity to efficiently handle key commodities such as coal, cement, fertilisers and food grains, thereby sustaining vital supply chains across sectors.

On the manufacturing front, Indian Railways strengthened its 'Make in India' efforts by producing 1,674 locomotives. Modernisation of passenger rolling stock also continued, with 6,677 LHB coaches manufactured, contributing to safer and more comfortable travel.

Passenger services saw notable advancement with the rollout of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, adding to the existing fleet of Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. These services represent a significant step forward in offering faster, modern and passenger-friendly travel options, particularly for long-distance journeys.

Safety initiatives gathered momentum with the expansion of the indigenous Kavach Automatic Train Protection System, now commissioned over 3,100 route kilometres, while implementation is underway on an additional 24,400 kilometres. This technology-driven system is aimed at preventing collisions and enhancing operational safety.

Digital transformation remained a key focus area. The launch of the RailOne App in July 2025 provided passengers with a unified platform for ticket booking, train enquiries and grievance redressal. In parallel, sustained efforts to ensure transparency in ticketing led to the removal of over 3.04 crore suspicious user accounts, promoting fair access to railway services.

Infrastructure development continued at pace with the commissioning of 35 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, facilitating improved logistics efficiency and multimodal integration. Additionally, 119 stations were redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, offering upgraded amenities and improved passenger experience.

Connectivity enhancements in strategically important regions were also achieved. The Bairabi-Sairang rail line has extended rail connectivity to Aizawl, strengthening the network in the Northeast. At the same time, major bridge infrastructure projects have reinforced all-weather rail connectivity to Jammu & Kashmir.

These achievements reflect Indian Railways' sustained focus on capacity expansion, modernisation, safety enhancement and inclusive development. Moving forward, the organisation remains committed to building a more efficient, technology-driven and passenger-centric rail network aligned with the vision of a developed India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are a game-changer for long-distance travel! Finally, we get speed *and* comfort. Took my family from Delhi to Chennai last month and the experience was world-class. More routes please!
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Arjun K
Great progress, but the real test is on the ground. While new trains are launched, the condition of many regular sleeper coaches and general compartments is still poor. Hope the modernization reaches all tiers, not just premium services.
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Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently for work, the RailOne App has been a lifesaver. Having everything in one place – tickets, PNR status, complaints – is so convenient. The digital push is really showing results.
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Vikram M
The expansion of Kavach to over 3,100 km is the most important point. Safety first! Every life saved is priceless. This indigenous tech is a matter of national pride. Jai Hind!
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Meera T
Connecting Aizawl is a big win for the Northeast. Better connectivity means more opportunities for our brothers and sisters there. Infrastructure development that unites the country is always welcome.
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Karthik V
1,674 locomotives and 6,677 coaches made in India! This is what 'Make in India' looks like on the ground.

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