Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Indian Railways Becomes World's 2nd Largest Freight Carrier
Indian Railways has become the second largest freight carrying rail network in the world.
The government shared that the amount of goods carried by trains increased from 1,233 million tonnes in 2020-21 to 1,617 million tonnes in 2024-25.
To keep prices low, freight rates have not been changed since 2018.
Passenger fares have been slightly increased from July 1, 2025, but general class fares up to 500 km and suburban travel fares have not been changed.
Indian Railways is also expanding its network and has electrified almost all of its broad gauge tracks.
They have added many new wagons and locomotives to carry more goods.
The government also mentioned that train tickets in India are the most affordable compared to neighboring and developed countries, with a Rs 60,000 crore subsidy provided to keep prices low.
Indian Railways is now the second largest freight carrying rail network in the world.
Freight loading increased from 1,233 million tonnes in 2020-21 to 1,617 million tonnes in 2024-25.
Freight rates have not been revised since 2018 to keep them competitive.
Passenger fares have been rationalized from July 1, 2025, with minimal increases ranging from half paise to two paise per km.
Indian Railways provided a Rs 60,000 crore subsidy in 2023-24 to keep passenger transport affordable.
- Who
- Indian Railways, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Congress member M K Vishnu Prasad
- What
- Indian Railways becomes the second largest freight carrying rail network in the world and discusses the affordability of train tickets
- When
- Freight loading data from 2020-21 to 2024-25, passenger fare revision from July 1, 2025, subsidy provided in 2023-24
- Where
- India
- Why
- Increased freight loading, network expansion measures, and government subsidies to keep ticket prices affordable
Government
Congress
Affordability of Train Tickets
Government
Train tickets in India are the most affordable compared to neighboring and developed countries, with the Indian Railways providing a Rs 60,000 crore subsidy to keep prices low.
Congress
Congress member M K Vishnu Prasad questioned the government's plans to restore rail ticket discounts to senior citizens as they were before Covid.
- Freight Loading (2020-21)
- 1,233 million tonnes
- Freight Loading (2024-25)
- 1,617 million tonnes
- Freight Rate Revision
- Not revised since 2018
- Passenger Fare Revision
- Effective from July 1, 2025
- Network Expansion Projects
- 431 projects sanctioned as of April 1, 2025
- Electrification Completion
- 99.1% of Broad Gauge network
- Wagons Procured (2014-2025)
- 200,000 wagons
- Locomotives Added (2014-2025)
- 10,000+ locomotives
- Subsidy Provided (2023-24)
- Rs 60,000 crore
Sources
Indian Railways 2nd largest freight carrying rail network in world: Minister
Indian Railways ranks as the world’s second-largest freight carrier: Minister
Vaishnaw: Train tickets most affordable in India