Fertiliser movement by Indian Railways rises nearly 12%

Indian Railways has significantly stepped up the movement of fertilizers this year, reinforcing its role in supporting India’s agricultural supply chain. Fertilizer loading touched 17,168 rakes up to November 30, marking an increase of 11.7% compared with 15,369 rakes moved during the same period last year.

With timely availability of fertilizers critical for sowing and harvesting cycles, Railways has continued to accord priority to fertilizer and food grain trains. This focused approach has helped ensure uninterrupted deliveries to states across the country, even during peak agricultural seasons.

Officials said the enhanced freight performance is aimed at safeguarding farm productivity and rural livelihoods. By enabling steady supplies of fertilizers, Indian Railways is helping farmers avoid delays in field operations, stabilizing crop output and strengthening national food security. Rail-based transport also offers environmental benefits by lowering carbon emissions and easing congestion on highways, while providing a reliable and cost-effective logistics option for bulk commodities.

Beyond freight operations, Railways has also reported a sharp improvement in safety performance. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that consequential train accidents have fallen dramatically, from an annual average of 171 during 2004–14 to just 11 so far in 2025–26, representing what he described as record safety levels.

The minister said passenger safety remains a top priority for Indian Railways, with every unusual incident subjected to detailed investigation. While the Railway Administration leads inquiries, assistance from state police is sought wherever non-technical causes are suspected. In certain cases, central agencies such as the CBI or NIA are also involved, although investigations are primarily handled at the state level.

Together, the gains in essential freight movement and safety performance underscore Indian Railways’ expanding role in supporting agriculture, improving logistics efficiency and strengthening the country’s transport infrastructure.