Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway has reported a strong freight performance in the current financial year, moving more than 209.97 million tonnes of cargo up to December, marking an 11% increase over the same period last year.
The zone has also surpassed its internal target by four per cent, signalling stable demand across industries and improving operational efficiency.
A closer examination of commodity movement reveals broad-based growth. Fertiliser volumes saw the sharpest increase at 40%, while finished steel traffic rose by 31%. Iron ore recorded a 20% rise, and foodgrains climbed 16%, highlighting the railway’s role in supporting agriculture and core manufacturing sectors. Coal, the bulk of East Coast Railway’s freight basket, continued to maintain steady movement, ensuring uninterrupted supply to power and industrial users.
Railway officials attributed the momentum to recent infrastructure expansion, including the commissioning of new lines and capacity enhancement through doubling and third and fourth-line projects. Improved linkages between industries, mines, and ports have also helped position the zone as a major freight hub.
The railway, in a media release, said coordinated planning with industry and government stakeholders has been central to keeping goods moving efficiently.
With freight volumes showing sustained growth, East Coast Railway is expected to maintain its focus on strengthening capacity and delivering reliable, long-haul connectivity for key sectors of the economy.
