Indian Railways Surpass the U.S. and Russia in Freight Volume
03.11.2025
Indian Railways has clinched the second spot globally in freight transportation, ahead of the US and Russia, cementing India’s position as a new logistic giant in the world.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
Indian Railways Strengthen Their Position Through DFC Corridors
In 2025, the Indian Railways network reached a record performance due to the commissioning of not one, but two dedicated freight corridors.
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Eastern DFC spans Ludhiana in the state of Punjab to Sonnagar in the state of Bihar, whereas the Western DFC spans the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai to Dadri in Delhi.
These corridors emerged as important factors in enhancing the efficiency of the deliveries, as they carry 300-325 freight trains on a daily basis with speeds of 50-60 km/h.
Normal mixed traffic railways operate trains at a speed of only 20-25 km/h, whereas DFC routes reduce transit time and increase network productivity.
The Indian government is incurring large expenditures on the rail network since DFCs form the backbone of a long-term economic framework.
In addition, the transfer of freight traffic to trains means a reduction in logistics costs, CO₂ emissions, as well as congestion on the roads.
Indian Railways Drive Industrial Growth and Investment
Indian Railways is Freight volume in India from 2019 to 2025 increased from 1.22 billion tons to 1.61 billion tons, showing a positive boost in the transportation industry. More than 10% of the total volume of freight is already carried on DFC routes, with the entire network of 2,800 km expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Thousands of jobs are offered through these projects, as well as increased connectivity between industries and port/economic zones. As Indian railways upgrade locomotives, terminals, as well as signaling systems, India is strengthening its position in the international logistics chain.
It is predicted that quicker freight via faster trains could boost the transport sector’s GDP by as much as 0.5 %. This is expected to encourage foreign investment in the country and will help India become a major freight hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
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What helped Indian Railways surpass the U.S. and Russia?
The rapid development of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) boosted train speeds and overall freight capacity across India’s main logistics routes.
When will the construction of DFC corridors be completed?
According to DFCCIL, all 2,800 km of the DFC network are planned for completion by December 2025.
How does the development of Indian Railways impact the economy?
Investments in DFC infrastructure enhance industrial output, reduce logistics costs, and generate new employment opportunities nationwide.
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