East Coast Railway Achieves Impressive Freight Growth in 2026

Freight Performance Overview

Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has successfully transported 120.76 million tonnes (MT) of freight by September 2026, marking a 3.4% increase from the 116.78 MT recorded in the same timeframe of 2025-26, as reported by officials on Thursday.

Among ECoR's three divisions, the Khurda Road Division led with a total loading of 87.64 MT, reflecting a 1.7% rise compared to the previous year. The newly established Rayagada Division achieved a remarkable 8.8% growth, loading 19.97 MT, while the Sambalpur Division reported 13.15 MT, with a growth rate of 7.3%.

This growth is attributed to ECoR's ongoing efforts to enhance freight operations and ensure consistent loading activities. Through strategic planning, effective collaboration with stakeholders, and proficient management of freight operations, ECoR has maintained a steady flow of freight, contributing to its overall performance.

According to an official statement, coal loading remains the primary driver of ECoR's freight activities, with cumulative coal loading reaching 71.01 MT by September 2026, up from 68.46 MT in the same period last year, indicating a growth of 3.7%.

Additionally, iron ore loading saw significant growth, increasing from 17.19 MT to 19.60 MT, a rise of 14.0%. Container loading also experienced a 7.8% increase, totaling 2.10 MT, while iron and steel loading showed a slight growth of 0.3%.

ECoR has also demonstrated strong performance in freight unloading during the current financial year. From April to September 2026, the railway unloaded 109.66 MT, which is a 10% increase from the 100.11 MT during the same period last year.

Among the divisions, Khurda Road Division led in unloading with 78.33 MT, achieving an 11% growth, followed by Sambalpur Division with 22.84 MT and a notable 6% increase, and Rayagada Division with 8.49 MT, reflecting a 3% growth.