Indian Railways revenue FY 2024, by segment

Rail freight accounted for the highest share of the total railways revenue across India with approximately 1.7 trillion Indian rupees in financial year 2024. In 2024, around 1.6 billion metric tons of freight was carried by the Indian Railways. Coal was the major commodity being carried across the country.

Railway industry in India

The railway network in India was among the largest in the world. The system is ideal for long-distance travel and transportation of bulk commodities. Train journeys are also popular for their constant supply of food and snacks. The Indian Railways had over 13 thousand trains in operation that covered more than seven thousand stations. 

Rail infrastructure

Being the backbone of long-distance travel domestically, the sector had received considerable investments. As per the Union Budget of fiscal year 2026, the Ministry of Railways was allocated a budget of around 2.7 trillion rupees. The railway network was estimated to become the third largest in the world over the next five years.