Full-Fledged DFC Operations and GCT Push Accelerate Freight Growth; Loading Rises Consistently from 1,098 MT in 2014-15 to 1,670 MT in 2025-26

The Ministry of Railways reports that freight loading rose from 1,098 MT in 2014‑15 to 1,670 MT in 2025‑26, making Indian Railways the world’s second‑largest freight carrier. Key drivers include the Gati Shakti Multi‑Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) policy – 142 GCTs commissioned with a handling capacity of 224 MTPA and private investment of about ₹10,000 crore – and the operation of two Dedicated Freight Corridors (EDFC and WDFC), which together handle about 443 trains daily. Additional measures comprise wagon investment schemes (≈275 special‑purpose and 397 general‑purpose rakes) and the Joint Parcel Product‑Rapid Cargo Service scheme. Infrastructure expansion over the last 12 years added 36,429 km of new track (8.32 km/day) and sanctioned 514 projects covering 40,000 km at an estimated cost of ₹8.31 lakh crore.