Context: Indian Railways has surpassed the previous year’s freight loading, reaching 1,465.371 million tonnes (MT) in the first 11 months of FY 2024-25.
About Freight Movement in Indian Railways:
- Freight movement refers to the transportation of goods via rail networks, including coal, iron ore, cement, and other commodities.
- Target for Freight Movement: 3,000 MT by 2027 to enhance logistics capacity.
- Current Achievement: 1,465.371 MT (April 2024–March 2, 2025), exceeding last year’s 1,443.166 MT.
- Revenue Contribution: Freight accounts for 65% of Indian Railways’ total revenue.
- Key Facts:
- 60% of freight volume comes from coal, iron ore, and cement.
- Expansion of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) has improved speed and efficiency.
- Locomotive production rose by 9%, with 1,346 locomotives manufactured in FY 2024-25.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
- GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure & Economy):
- Transport Sector Growth: Role of freight corridors in economic development.
- Energy & Logistics: Impact of railway freight in reducing logistics costs.
- Sustainable Development: Shift to rail transport reduces carbon footprint compared to road transport.
- GS Paper 1 (Geography):
- Railways’ role in industrial and regional development.
- GS Paper 2 (Governance & Policies):
- Government initiatives like DFCs and Make in India for locomotive production.
