Indian Railways shifts over 2,200 trains to upgraded Passenger Reservation System

In October 2026, Indian Railways reported an increase in both freight movement and passenger traffic, though train punctuality saw a decline compared to the same month the previous year. The transportation giant transported 145.07 million tonnes (MT) of freight, marking an 8.31% rise from 133.93 MT in October 2025. Freight revenue also climbed by 11.81% during the month. Among the major commodities, food grain loading saw the highest growth at 26%, followed by coal at 13%, other goods at 11%, and clinker at 10.4%.

Indian Railways transported 66.98 crore passengers in October 2026, a 2.73% increase from 65.20 crore passengers carried in the same month last year. The suburban passenger segment experienced a growth of 4.14%, while non-suburban passenger traffic rose by 0.93%. The railways operated an average of 5,608 trains per day during October, an 83-train increase (1.50%) compared to 5,525 trains per day in October 2025.

Despite the growth in freight and passenger traffic, Indian Railways' overall train punctuality declined to 75.07% in October 2026, down from 77.41% in October 2025. Only six out of the 18 railway zones recorded an improvement in punctuality. At the divisional level, 31 out of 71 divisions recorded an improvement compared to the previous year.

However, the number of train cancellations increased during October 2026, with 453 Mail and Express trains cancelled, compared to 121 in October 2025. Additionally, 42 infrastructure-related NI (Non-Interlocking)/Block works were carried out during the month, compared to 20 in October 2025. NI/Blocks proposals from February 2025 onwards are now approved 10 weeks in advance to prevent any train cancellations within the Automatic Block Plan (ARP).

The Railways also commissioned one Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) in October 2026, bringing the total number of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals to 154 as of October 31, 2026.