India breaks freight loading record: 143 million tonnes in January
Indian Railways (IR) has broken its record in monthly freight loading. In January, the amount of freight loaded reached 142,7 million tonnes, setting a growth percentage of 6,4 per cent in comparison to January 2023. The new record was achieved despite adverse weather conditions, particularly foggy weather, according to the Indian ministry of railways.
January’s loaded freight volumes grew by nearly 9 million tonnes in comparison to January 2023, amounting to 142,7 million tonnes. Half of all freight consisted of coal (71,45 million tonnes), whereas other important goods include iron ore, pig iron and finished steel, cement and agricultural products.
The Indian ministry of railways stresses that IR achieved these numbers despite adverse weather conditions and credits government policy for the success of IR. According to the ministry, it has pushed for capacity augmentation, the introduction of new rolling stock and the improvement of operational efficiencies. For example, India has commissioned 476 kilometres of new tracks, up from 308 kilometres of new tracks in 2023.
Advanced rail network
India employs an advanced rail freight network that facilitates freight volume growth. It has a dedicated and electrified rail freight network and uses double-stack wagons to double its freight transportation capacity per round-trip. India also actively pursues a policy of connecting potential customers to its rail freight network. For example, India opened a dedicated rail freight route over a thousand kilometres long linking up to major power plants last year.
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