New Delhi, April 1 -- The Indian Railways has achieved a milestone in freight performance during 2025-26, setting a new record in cargo transport and further strengthening its role as the backbone of the nation's logistics network.

The national transporter carried 1,670 million tonnes (mt) of freight in the just completed financial year, the highest level achieved so far, even though growth remained modest at 3.25% over the previous fiscal. In FY25, the railways carried 1,617 mt of freight, according to a railway ministry statement.

The freight performance was complemented by a 4.56% increase in the number of wagons handled, which rose from 2,79,12,271 in 2024-25 to 2,91,86,475 in 2025-26.

The rise in freight loading highlights the inc...