Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Railways urged to diversify freight basket
The Standing Committee on Railways wants Indian Railways to carry more types of goods, not just coal.
Right now, coal makes up half of all the freight the railways carry, but the committee thinks they should also carry things like cars, everyday consumer goods, and online shopping items.
This could help the railways make more money.
The committee, led by a member of parliament named C M Ramesh, shared this idea in a report given to the government on Tuesday.
Indian Railways currently transports mostly coal, accounting for 50% of total freight loading.
The Standing Committee on Railways suggests diversifying into automobiles, FMCG, and e-commerce.
The committee aims to increase the railways' business by moving goods primarily transported by road.
The report was submitted in Parliament on Tuesday by BJP MP C M Ramesh.
Earnings from coal transport are reportedly decelerating.
- Who
- Standing Committee on Railways
- What
- Urged Indian Railways to diversify freight basket
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Parliament
- Why
- To increase business and move beyond bulk commodities
- Commodity
- Coal
- Percentage of total freight loading
- 50%
- Committee Leader
- BJP MP C M Ramesh
- Report Submitted
- Tuesday
- Suggested Freight Areas
- Automobiles, FMCG, E-commerce