Bhubaneswar, Sept. 17 (UDN): East Coast Railway (ECoR) has achieved a significant freight-handling milestone by crossing 100 million tonnes (MT) of freight unloading in the current financial year 2026-27, becoming the first railway zone in India to reach the mark.
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According to ECoR, the zone achieved the milestone 17 days earlier than it did during the corresponding period of the previous financial year, indicating faster handling and movement of freight across its network.
Freight release rises nearly 10%
ECoR reported a 9.8 per cent increase in freight release tonnage compared with the same period of 2025-26. The improvement has been attributed mainly to better wagon handling and quicker release of loaded freight rakes.
The release of BOXN wagons increased by 7.3 per cent, while BOBRN wagon release registered a 9.8 per cent rise over the corresponding period last year.
The railway zone said the higher wagon release reflects improved turnaround time and more efficient utilisation of its freight assets.
Loading and earnings also record growth
ECoR has also recorded growth in other key freight performance indicators during the period.
Freight loading increased by 3.9 per cent, while freight earnings rose by 3.2 per cent compared with the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
The zone’s freight network plays a major role in transporting raw materials and essential commodities for industries and businesses across its jurisdiction.
Focus on faster freight movement
ECoR said the latest achievement underscores its efforts to increase freight throughput, reduce wagon turnaround time and make optimum use of available infrastructure and rolling stock.
The faster release of freight wagons is expected to facilitate the movement of goods more efficiently, supporting rail-based logistics and the industries dependent on timely transportation of raw materials and commodities.