Freight loading rises from 1,098 MT in 2014-15 to 1,670 MT in 2025-26 as Railways expands terminals, private wagon investment and first- and last-mile cargo connectivity

Key Highlights

• Indian Railways’ freight loading reached 1,670 million tonnes (MT) in 2025-26, up from 1,098 MT in 2014-15.
• Both the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) are now fully commissioned.
• Around 443 freight trains operate on DFCs every day on average.
• 142 Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals (GCTs) have been commissioned, with estimated handling capacity of 224 million tonnes per annum.
• GCTs have mobilised approximately ₹10,000 crore in private investment.
• Around 275 specialised wagon rakes and 397 general-purpose wagon rakes are operational under private wagon investment schemes.
• Indian Railways commissioned 36,429 km of new track between 2014 and 2026, nearly twice the earlier average daily pace.
• 514 infrastructure projects covering approximately 40,000 km have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹8.31 lakh crore.
• A new Dankuni-Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor was announced in the Union Budget 2026, with DPR preparation underway.

Indian Railways Freight Network Enters New Phase of Expansion

New Delhi: Indian Railways is strengthening its freight logistics ecosystem through a combination of Dedicated Freight Corridors, Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, private wagon investment and improved first- and last-mile connectivity, helping freight loading reach a record 1,670 MT in 2025-26.

Freight loading has increased steadily from 1,098 MT in 2014-15 to 1,670 MT in 2025-26, reflecting the expansion of India’s rail freight network and capacity. The latest figures were provided by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw in a reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals Expand Freight Infrastructure

Indian Railways is using the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) policy to encourage private investment in modern freight terminals.

The location of GCTs is determined based on factors including industry demand, potential cargo traffic, railway infrastructure and the overall logistics potential of the region.

So far, 142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have been commissioned with an estimated freight handling capacity of 224 million tonnes per annum.

The terminals have mobilised approximately ₹10,000 crore in private investment, while freight handled through GCTs during 2025-26 stood at 146 MT.

The government is simultaneously upgrading railway-owned goods sheds to improve cargo handling efficiency.

Dedicated Freight Corridors Improve Freight Movement

The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) from Ludhiana to Sonnagar, covering 1,337 km, and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal, covering 1,506 km, have both been commissioned.

An average of around 443 trains operate every day on the DFC network.

The corridors are designed to improve freight speeds, turnaround times and operational reliability while freeing up capacity on conventional railway routes. Diverting freight traffic to the DFCs also creates additional paths on the existing network for other goods and passenger services.

The DFC network is also expected to support greater movement of double-stack container trains and higher axle-load trains, improve access from the northern hinterland to western ports and encourage the development of new terminals and industrial linkages along the corridors.

A new Dankuni-Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor was also announced in the Union Budget 2026. Preparation and updating of its Detailed Project Report is currently underway.

Private Investment in Specialised Wagons

Indian Railways has introduced several schemes allowing private-sector investment in wagons, including specialised wagons designed for commodities such as cement, oil, steel and fly ash.

Around 275 rakes of special-purpose wagons and 397 rakes of general-purpose wagons are currently operational.

A separate automobile transportation scheme has also resulted in approximately 54 industry-owned rakes becoming operational.

The objective is to increase the efficiency and attractiveness of rail freight for different commodity segments while improving the railway freight network’s modal share.

Door-to-Door Cargo Services Expand

The Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Service (JPP-RCS) provides customised logistics solutions, including door-to-door parcel services.

The system also allows customers to book parcel space online through aggregators, in addition to India Post, using the Virtual Aggregation Platform (VAP).

CONCOR is providing door-to-door parcel services using JPP-RCS on the Delhi-Kolkata and Mumbai-Kolkata sectors. It is also conducting a pilot for door-to-door logistics from Sonik Goods Shed.

Rail Network Capacity Nearly Doubles in Pace

The expansion of freight infrastructure is supported by a wider railway capacity-building programme.

Between 2014 and 2026, Indian Railways commissioned 36,429 km of new track, compared with 7,599 km during 2009-14.

The average rate of new track commissioning increased from 4.2 km per day to 8.32 km per day.

As of April 1, 2026, 514 railway infrastructure projects covering approximately 40,000 km had been sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹8.31 lakh crore.

These comprise:

• 169 new line projects covering 16,634 km
• 29 gauge conversion projects covering 3,987 km
• 316 doubling projects covering 19,379 km

Together, 12,583 km of these projects had been commissioned up to March 2026.

Freight Loading Rises 52% Over the Period

Indian Railways’ freight loading has recorded a sustained rise over the past decade.

From 1,098 MT in 2014-15 to 1,670 MT in 2025-26, freight loading has increased by roughly 52%.

The government stated that Indian Railways has consequently become the second-largest freight-carrying railway in the world.

What It Means for Hospitality, Food and Travel

While the announcement is primarily about freight, its impact extends into the hospitality, food and beverage and tourism supply chain.

Stronger Food and Beverage Supply Chains

Hotels, restaurants, caterers and food businesses depend on the movement of ingredients and finished products across regions. Greater rail freight capacity can strengthen the long-distance movement of food products, beverages, packaged goods, grains and other supplies.

Better Logistics for Hotel Procurement

Large hospitality groups often operate centralised or regional procurement systems. More efficient freight terminals and improved rail connectivity can provide additional options for moving bulk supplies between manufacturing centres, warehouses and hotel markets.

GCTs Can Support Emerging Hospitality Markets

The expansion of multimodal cargo terminals can strengthen logistics infrastructure around industrial and commercial centres. As these areas develop, improved freight connectivity can indirectly support the growth of hotels, restaurants, catering businesses and other hospitality services.

Potential Reduction in Logistics Costs

The DFC network and expanded rail freight infrastructure are designed to improve freight efficiency and reduce transit-related constraints. For hospitality businesses that transport supplies over long distances, more efficient logistics could contribute to better supply-chain planning and potentially lower transportation costs.

Supporting Sustainable Hospitality Operations

A greater shift of freight from road to rail can also support the industry’s sustainability objectives by reducing dependence on road-based long-distance transportation. This is particularly relevant for hospitality companies working to reduce emissions across their supply chains.

Better Destination Supply Infrastructure

Tourism destinations require continuous supplies of food, beverages, linen, equipment and other goods. Stronger rail freight connectivity can help improve the underlying supply infrastructure supporting hotels, resorts, restaurants and tourism businesses, particularly as tourism expands beyond established metropolitan markets.

The Bigger Picture

Indian Railways is building a more integrated freight ecosystem around Dedicated Freight Corridors, multimodal cargo terminals, private wagon investment and door-to-door logistics services.

With freight loading reaching 1,670 MT in 2025-26, 142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals already operational and both major DFCs commissioned, the railway network is increasingly positioned as a major component of India’s national logistics infrastructure.

For the hospitality and food industry, the development is significant because efficient freight movement is directly connected to the availability, cost and reliability of supplies—from food and beverages to equipment and operational materials. As rail freight capacity expands, it could increasingly support the supply chains behind India’s growing hospitality and tourism economy.