Indian Railways significantly boosts the agricultural supply chain, with fertiliser movement rising by 11.7% up to November 30.
Indian Railways has significantly increased the movement of fertilisers this year, reinforcing its crucial role in supporting India’s agricultural supply chain. Fertiliser loading reached 17,168 rakes up to 30 November, marking an increase of 11.7 percent compared with the 15,369 rakes moved during the same period last year.
This focused approach, which prioritises fertiliser and foodgrain trains, has helped ensure uninterrupted deliveries to states across the country, even during peak agricultural seasons.
Officials stated that the enhanced freight performance aims to safeguard farm productivity and rural livelihoods. By enabling steady supplies of fertilisers, Indian Railways assists farmers in avoiding field operation delays, which stabilises crop output and strengthens national food security. Furthermore, rail-based transport is a reliable and cost-effective logistics option for bulk commodities, offering environmental benefits through lower carbon emissions and reduced highway congestion.
Beyond freight operations, the Railways have also reported a sharp improvement in safety performance. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that consequential train accidents have fallen dramatically, from an annual average of 171 during 2004–2014 to just 11 so far in the 2025–2026 period, representing what he termed record safety levels.
The minister added that passenger safety remains a top priority, with every unusual incident subjected to detailed investigation. While the Railway Administration leads inquiries, assistance from state police is requested if non-technical causes are suspected. In certain instances, central agencies such as the CBI or NIA are also involved, although investigations are primarily handled at the state level.
Together, the improvements in essential freight movement and safety performance underscore Indian Railways’ expanding role in supporting agriculture, enhancing logistics efficiency, and strengthening the country’s transport infrastructure.
SOURCE – PIB
