Maligaon, November 14 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) registered a 27.7% increase in freight loading in October 2026, transporting 1.064 million tonnes (MT) of goods compared to 0.833 MT in the corresponding month last year.
According to the NFR, cumulative freight loading during April-October 2026 also recorded a growth of 14.1%, reaching 7.290 MT against 6.390 MT in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
Several key commodities contributed to the growth in October. Coal loading increased by 160% to 0.013 MT, while dolomite loading registered a 61.3% rise to 0.258 MT.
Foodgrain loading grew by 350% to 0.054 MT, while loading of miscellaneous commodities, including fruits, vegetables and timber, increased by 221.1% to 0.061 MT.
Fertiliser and cement loading also registered increases of 120% and 40%, respectively, supporting agricultural and construction activities in the region.
The growth was also reflected in NFR's cumulative freight performance during April-October 2026. Cement loading rose by 148.1% to 0.903 MT, while dolomite loading increased by 40% to 1.687 MT.
Loading of miscellaneous commodities grew by 106 per cent to 0.274 MT during the seven-month period. Coal and container loading also recorded increases of 16.5% and 10.3%, respectively, over the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
Freight movement, measured in net tonne-kilometres (NTKM), increased by 47.7% in October 2026, reaching approximately 754 million compared to 511 million in October 2025.
The NTKM measure reflects both the quantity of goods transported and the distance covered.
NFR remains focused on providing reliable freight services to meet customer requirements. By transporting foodgrains, agricultural produce and industrial materials, the railway facilitates access to wider markets for farmers and traders while supporting economic activities across the Northeast and beyond.
