Southwestern Railway (SWR) has reported a significant surge in freight performance, with steel emerging as a standout contributor. The zone recorded a 70.5 per cent increase in steel freight loading compared with the same period last year, reaching close to 0.9 million tonnes. This growth highlights the growing reliance on railways for the transportation of steel and allied products across the country.
The expansion in steel freight has also played a major role in boosting overall freight revenues for the zone. By providing a dependable mode of bulk transportation, the railway continues to support the steel industry in moving both raw materials and finished products efficiently to different parts of India. Industry observers point out that railways remain the backbone of steel logistics, offering cost-effective and timely connectivity between industrial clusters and consumer markets.
Alongside freight gains, SWR also posted growth in passenger earnings, reflecting a broader improvement in operational performance. However, the sharp rise in steel freight stands out as a key driver of revenue expansion, underlining the strong demand for steel in infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
The achievement also reflects the success of recent measures undertaken by the zone to improve freight handling capacity and streamline operations. Enhanced loading infrastructure, improved wagon availability, and close coordination with major steel producers have contributed to the increase.
With India’s steel demand projected to grow steadily in line with infrastructure and industrial development, the role of railways as a logistics partner is expected to become even more critical. For SWR, the record freight performance reinforces its position as a vital link in the steel supply chain, ensuring reliable and large-scale transportation to meet the needs of one of the country’s most essential industries.
