Khurda Road division emerges as Indian Railways’ top performer in freight handling

The Khurda Road Division of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has reaffirmed its dominance in freight operations, posting its highest-ever loading performance and retaining its position as the leading freight-handling division across Indian Railways.

ECoR officials announced on Tuesday that the Division has handled 209 million tonnes of traffic up to November 2025 — comprising 115 million tonnes of loading and 94 million tonnes of unloading. This exceptional throughput keeps Khurda Road Division firmly at the top, followed by Bilaspur (169.6 MT), Dhanbad (152.8 MT), and Chakradharpur (145.8 MT) divisions.

Setting a new national benchmark, the Division crossed 200 million tonnes of freight in just 235 days of the current fiscal year — the fastest in Indian Railways history, bettering its own previous record of 250 days achieved in 2024–25.

November 2025 also marked a milestone month, with the Division clocking 14.441 million tonnes of loading, its highest-ever for any November. This surpasses previous November performances, including 12.990 MT (2023), 12.780 MT (2021), and 12.690 MT (2024). It is the first time the Division has breached the 14-MT mark in November.

Freight revenues also saw a sharp rise. The Division earned ₹1,370.64 crore in November 2025, up from ₹1,143.20 crore in November 2024, reflecting a 19.9% increase. Notably, earnings grew faster than the loading volume, indicating improved freight mix, better realization, and strengthened logistics management.

Despite disruptions caused by cyclonic conditions and heavy rainfall during the period, Khurda Road Division ensured uninterrupted freight movement through meticulous planning, tight coordination, and advanced real-time monitoring systems.

Officials credited the achievement to efficient rake management, proactive engagement with freight customers, streamlined terminal operations, and the dedication of operating, commercial, and field teams, supported by strong leadership across the East Coast Railway administration.