Railways Expands Passenger Connectivity, Freight Capacity in August 2026
14 Amrit Bharat services were regularised while five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals were commissioned to improve last-mile freight connectivity for industries
UdaipurTimes, Sept 14, 2026 - August 2026 has witnessed significant expansion in railway connectivity and services across the country, with Indian Railways recording growth in both passenger movement and freight loading. As per a government press release, during the month, 14 Amrit Bharat services were regularised, providing more affordable and comfortable travel options to passengers across several important routes, while five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) were commissioned to improve last-mile freight connectivity for industries.
Indian Railways also recorded 5.4 per cent growth in freight loading, reflecting continued demand from key sectors of the economy. Passenger traffic increased as well, with additional special train services being operated to meet the surge in demand during the festival season.
Freight Movement
The Railways loaded 137.9 million tonnes of freight during August 2026, compared to 130.9 million tonnes in August 2025, registering a 5.4 per cent year-on-year growth. Freight revenue during August 2026 increased by 6.27 per cent compared to August 2025, indicating continued strengthening of the freight business of Indian Railways.
Movement of Key Commodities
Several important commodity groups recorded healthy growth during August 2026. Iron ore loading increased by 12.1 per cent, clinker by 10.4 per cent, domestic container by 9.2 per cent and coal by 6 per cent. Finished steel loading increased by 4.9 per cent, mineral oil by 3.1 per cent, fertilisers by 1.6 per cent and Balance Other Goods by 8.2 per cent.
Five New GCTs
In August 2026, five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals were commissioned, taking the cumulative number of commissioned GCTs to 149 as on 31 August 2026. The expansion of the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal network brings freight-handling facilities closer to production and consumption centres. The newly commissioned terminals are at:
- Shivlakha, Gujarat
- Nalli, Tamil Nadu
- Shaktinagar, Uttar Pradesh
- Deoragram, Madhya Pradesh
- Brajrajnagar , Odisha
August 2026 marked a significant expansion of passenger connectivity, with 14 Amrit Bharat services were regularised from special train to regular train during the month, taking the total number of Amrit Bharat services to 86. The services include:
- Subedarganj - Lokmanya Tilak Terminus
- Gorakhpur - Bandra Terminus
- Gorakhpur - Delhi Jn
- Ahmedabad - Bhagalpur
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus - Prayagraj Jn
- Prayagraj Jn - Udhna Jn
- Dhanbad - Coimbatore, among others.
Passenger Traffic
Indian Railways carried 67.27 crore passengers during August 2026, compared to 64.43 crore passengers during August 2025. Suburban passenger traffic recorded particularly strong growth, increasing by 9.02 per cent. A total of 38.01 crore suburban passengers travelled during August 2026, compared to 34.89 crore in August 2025.
Special Trains
With increased passenger demand during the festival season, Indian Railways operated 144 trips of Rakshabandhan Special trains between August 25 and 31, 2026, compared to 48 trips operated between August 8 and 14, 2025.
