ECoR Records Strong Growth in Freight and Passenger Traffic in First Half of FY 2025–26
East Coast Railway posts double-digit rise in freight loading and revenue, driven by efficient operations and industry partnerships
Bhubaneswar : The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has recorded an impressive performance in both freight and passenger transportation during the first half (April–September) of the 2025–26 financial year, reflecting strong operational efficiency and rising demand across key sectors. The zone achieved significant growth over the same period last year, marking a robust start to the fiscal year.
According to official data, ECoR loaded 137.6 million tonnes of freight between April and September 2025, up 11.33% from 123.6 million tonnes during the corresponding period in 2024. This remarkable rise underscores the zone’s role as one of India’s most crucial freight corridors, handling major commodities such as coal, iron ore, cement, fertilizers, and raw materials for steel and power plants.
Freight operations have continued to be the backbone of ECoR’s financial success. During the six-month period, the zone’s freight revenue increased by 10.57%, reaching ₹14,162.58 crore, compared to ₹12,808.30 crore in the previous fiscal year. Overall, the gross earnings of ECoR rose to ₹15,571.08 crore, a 9.45% jump from ₹14,227.18 crore during the same period last year.
Officials attributed this consistent growth to strategic planning, improved wagon utilization, timely rakes availability, and closer engagement with freight customers. ECoR has focused on building stronger relationships with industries such as coal mining, iron ore exports, cement, and fertilizers — sectors that form the backbone of eastern India’s industrial economy.
In addition to freight success, the passenger segment also witnessed positive momentum. ECoR carried 48.21 million passengers during April–September 2025, compared to 45.56 million passengers in the same period last year — registering an increase of 5.81%. The rise reflects growing passenger confidence, improved services, and enhanced connectivity across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Chhattisgarh.
With new trains, upgraded infrastructure, and the redevelopment of key railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, passenger satisfaction and mobility have improved notably across the zone. Increased frequency on busy routes and punctuality measures have also contributed to the higher passenger footfall.
Officials credited ECoR’s performance to effective operational management, better planning, and technological interventions such as real-time freight monitoring and digital coordination systems. The railway zone has also emphasized energy efficiency and sustainability, adopting modern practices to reduce carbon emissions and improve logistics reliability.
“ECoR’s continued success highlights the synergy between efficient operations and customer collaboration,” said a senior railway official. “Our focus remains on meeting industry needs while ensuring safe, sustainable, and punctual service for passengers.”
As one of the busiest and most profitable railway zones in India, East Coast Railway plays a pivotal role in the country’s logistics and supply chain framework. With major ports like Paradip and Visakhapatnam under its jurisdiction, ECoR facilitates vital export and import linkages, supporting both regional and national economic growth.
Its robust freight network not only strengthens the industrial corridor of eastern India but also complements the government’s PM-Gati Shakti initiative, aimed at integrating transport infrastructure for greater efficiency.
With freight volumes rising steadily and passenger numbers improving, ECoR is on track for another record-breaking year, reinforcing its position as a critical driver of India’s economic momentum and connectivity.
