Western Railway (WR) reported significant growth across freight operations, infrastructure, safety, passenger services, and revenue in the financial year 2025–26.
For the fourth consecutive year, WR crossed the 100 million tonnes mark in freight loading, achieving approximately 106 million tonnes. The zone remained a leader in container, fertiliser, and mineral oil transport, with container loading at 35.33 million tonnes (38%), fertiliser at 19.49 million tonnes (29%), and mineral oil at 11.71 million tonnes (23%). Three new Gati Shakti Cargo terminals were commissioned across Mumbai Central, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad divisions.
On the infrastructure front, WR completed 252 km of new lines, gauge conversions, and doubling works, alongside 206 km of electrification, achieving 100% electrification of its broad gauge network. Safety advancements included installing KAVACH (v4.0) on 660 km, constructing 162 road over/under bridges—the highest in Indian Railways—and 20 foot overbridges, while eliminating 100 manned level crossings. Punctuality for Mail/Express trains stood at around 96%, with 19 permanent speed restrictions removed.
Western Railway rolled out India’s first 9,000 HP electric locomotive from the Dahod workshop and commissioned the nation’s first 2×25 kV traction substation under Mission Raftaar on the Khachrod–Nagda section.
Seventeen new trains were launched, and 116 trains were sped up by 3 to 105 minutes in the revised January 2026 timetable. Suburban services rose to 1,414 trips, with 227 fifteen-car services, and 27 rakes upgraded for senior citizen compartments. AC coaches increased to 133, while emergency talk-back systems were installed in 411 ladies’ coaches. Forty-two escalators and lifts were commissioned.
Financially, WR recorded passenger revenue of Rs 8,490 crore, freight revenue of Rs 14,257 crore, and ticket-checking revenue of Rs 209 crore. Non-fare revenue reached Rs 133.26 crore, catering Rs 200 crore, and scrap sales Rs 654 crore, surpassing targets by 40%. Capital expenditure utilisation hit a record Rs 22,282 crore, up 17.06% year-on-year.
Digital initiatives included the SUGAM RAIL app for asset management, SARAL QR-based refund portal, and digital lounges at major stations. Staff welfare programmes disbursed Rs 7.96 crore, supporting women empowerment and scholarships.
Source: Mid-day
