Central Railway has registered remarkable progress in its freight operations, achieving a staggering 67.11 million tonnes (MT) of freight loading in the financial year 2024-25, up until 31st January 2025. This feat is complemented by a record freight revenue of Rs. 7,217.48 crore, marking significant growth in both volume and earnings.
Among the five divisions of Central Railway, Nagpur Division led the charge with 36.85 MT of freight loaded, contributing nearly 55% of the total. Mumbai Division followed with 19.04 MT, accounting for almost 28% of the total freight load. In January 2025 alone, Central Railway loaded 7.83 MT, with Nagpur Division contributing 4.48 MT (57%) and Mumbai Division 2.14 MT (27%).
Key contributors to this success include impressive gains in container freight, sugar, and petroleum products. Central Railway saw a 24% increase in sugar rake loadings, from 50 rakes in January 2024 to 62 rakes in January 2025. The Pune Division’s performance was especially notable, with sugar rake loadings doubling from 18 to 37 rakes—a 105% increase.
Container traffic also showed strong growth, with 847 rakes loaded in January 2025, up 15.7% from the previous year. Similarly, petroleum product loadings increased by 10.1%, and the loading of De-oiled cakes rose by 10.5%. Moreover, 631 container rakes were loaded from the JNPT terminal in January 2025, reflecting a 14.3% growth compared to last year.
Central Railway’s remarkable performance extends to train interchange efficiency, achieving its best-ever daily average of 56.3 trains at Vasai Road, compared to 49.3 trains in January 2024.
On the revenue front, the total freight earnings for the year reached Rs. 7,217.48 crore, with Nagpur Division contributing Rs. 3,849.67 crore (53%) and Mumbai Division Rs. 2,076.55 crore (29%). January 2025 alone brought in Rs. 800.07 crore, with Nagpur Division accounting for Rs. 445.07 crore (56%).
This impressive performance is the result of Central Railway’s continued focus on business development and operational improvements, solidifying its position as a leader in freight transport and revenue generation.
