Waltair Division exceeds annual freight loading target

The Waltair Division of the Indian Railways has achieved a record in freight operations by surpassing its annual loading target of 78.45 million tonnes for the first time in a financial year, reaching the milestone 24 days ahead of the close of 2025–26.

The division recorded a freight loading of 78.464 million tonnes by March 7, marking a major operational achievement and setting a new benchmark in its performance. Railway officials said the feat reflects a steady rise in freight movement and improved operational efficiency across the division.

Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra congratulated the staff on the achievement and described March 7 as a landmark day in the history of the Waltair Division. “This milestone reflects the dedication, teamwork, and coordinated efforts of railway personnel across all departments,” he said, appreciating the sustained efforts of operational teams and field staff in improving freight handling and ensuring the smooth movement of goods trains.

The division also registered a growth of over 16.5% in freight loading compared with the previous financial year. During the corresponding period last year, it had handled 67.254 million tonnes.

Railway officials attributed the growth to a series of measures, including customer-focused initiatives, close coordination with freight customers and stakeholders, improved operational efficiency, capacity augmentation, and effective crew management. Efforts to streamline logistics operations and optimise infrastructure utilisation also played a key role in helping the division achieve the target ahead of schedule.

The milestone was reached despite several challenges, including natural calamities, security-related issues, and ongoing infrastructure works such as doubling and triple-line projects, along with safety modernisation activities being carried out across the division.

Officials said the Waltair Division aims to sustain the momentum and conclude the financial year 2025–26 with an even stronger freight loading performance.