New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) Indian Railways registered growth in both freight transportation and passenger traffic during June 2026, with freight loading rising 4 per cent year-on-year and passenger numbers also recording a steady increase, according to an official statement issued on Thursday. Indian Railways loaded 142.21 million tonnes of freight during June, compared with 136.71 million tonnes in the corresponding month last year, an increase of 4 per cent, the Ministry of Railways said.In addition, freight earnings also increased by about Rs 430 crore, a 3 per cent rise over June 2025.Among key commodities, fertiliser loading recorded the highest growth of 19.1 per cent, followed by balance other goods at 17.3 per cent, iron ore at 9.4 per cent, clinker at 7.2 per cent, domestic coal at 4.9 per cent and total coal at 3.6 per cent.The strong June performance built on the momentum seen during the first quarter of FY2026-27.Between April and June, Indian Railways loaded 419.08 million tonnes of freight, up from 413.05 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous financial year.During the quarter, iron ore loading increased by 7.44 per cent, clinker by 6.54 per cent and Balance and Other Goods by 12.16 per cent over the year-ago period.To meet higher power demand during the extended summer season, Indian Railways also stepped up domestic coal transportation, supplying 7 per cent more coal to thermal power plants in June compared with the same month last year.

Passenger traffic also witnessed steady growth during the month, with Indian Railways carrying 63.81 crore passengers, up from 62.37 crore in June 2025.The non-suburban segment, covering both short and long distance travel, grew about 4 per cent to 30.04 crore passengers from 28.90 crore a year earlier. While the suburban segment recorded nearly 1 per cent increase, with passenger numbers rising to 33.77 crore from 33.46 crore.Meanwhile, Indian Railways continued to expand its premium passenger services.The number of Vande Bharat train services has increased to 164, including the recently introduced Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Howrah and Kamakhya.The number of Amrit Bharat train services has also reached 72 after the launch of four new services during June, further strengthening affordable long-distance rail connectivity across the country.

/IANS