South Western Railway Posts Record Freight Loading in May 2026, Earns ₹770 Crore Revenue
Bengaluru, June 1: South Western Railway (SWR) recorded its highest-ever freight loading for the month of May, handling 4.40 million tonnes (MT) of originating freight traffic and achieving strong growth in both freight and passenger revenues during May 2026.
According to official data released by the railway zone, freight loading increased by 4.3 per cent compared to 4.22 million tonnes recorded during May 2025. The achievement surpassed the previous May record of 4.25 million tonnes set in May 2008, making it the highest freight loading ever recorded by SWR during the month.
The zone loaded an average of 2,275 wagons per day during May 2026, compared to 2,193 wagons per day during the corresponding period last year, registering a growth of 3.7 per cent.
Commodity-wise, iron ore remained the largest contributor with 1.766 million tonnes handled during the month, followed by steel at 0.921 million tonnes. Coal loading reached 0.93 million tonnes, registering a significant growth of 23.3 per cent compared to 0.76 million tonnes loaded during May 2025.
Container traffic also witnessed healthy growth, increasing to 0.09 million tonnes from 0.07 million tonnes during the same period last year, reflecting a rise of 16.9 per cent. Loading of other miscellaneous commodities recorded the highest percentage growth, rising by 56.3 per cent from 0.14 million tonnes to 0.22 million tonnes.
South Western Railway earned ₹425.67 crore from freight operations during May 2026, reinforcing the sector’s position as the zone’s primary revenue contributor.
The zone also reported robust passenger business during the month. Passenger earnings touched ₹302.34 crore, registering a strong year-on-year growth of 21.37 per cent.
A total of 16.36 million passengers travelled on South Western Railway during May 2026, representing a growth of 6.72 per cent over the previous year. Passenger traffic also exceeded the zone’s target by 8.09 per cent, reflecting continued demand for rail travel across Karnataka and neighbouring regions.
Apart from freight and passenger earnings, South Western Railway earned ₹26.10 crore through other coaching services and ₹13.82 crore through parcel operations. Sundry earnings stood at ₹16.60 crore, while ticket checking operations generated ₹5.53 crore. Commercial sundry revenue contributed an additional ₹5.70 crore.
Overall, South Western Railway recorded total gross earnings of ₹770.71 crore during May 2026.
The railway zone’s cumulative performance for the financial year up to May 2026 also showed strong growth. Passenger earnings increased to ₹609.68 crore, reflecting a growth of 16.2 per cent over the corresponding period last year.
Freight revenue during the same period reached ₹782.92 crore, while other coaching earnings stood at ₹54.75 crore. Sundry earnings contributed ₹34.11 crore.
As a result, South Western Railway recorded total gross earnings of ₹1,481.46 crore during the financial year up to May 2026.
Railway officials attributed the strong performance to improved operational efficiency, better customer engagement, enhanced terminal infrastructure and sustained efforts to improve freight handling capabilities across the zone.
South Western Railway said it remains committed to strengthening transportation services, expanding freight business and improving passenger experience while supporting the economic growth of Karnataka and the region.
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