Central Railway’s Solapur Division Achieves Record Freight Growth

The Solapur Division of Central Railway has reported remarkable growth in freight loading for September 2025, achieving an impressive increase of 86.21% in volume compared to the same month last year. This surge in freight loading has resulted in earnings rising to ₹35.99 crore, reflecting a substantial year-on-year increase of 70.89%. The division’s performance highlights its operational efficiency and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Strong Growth Across Terminals and Sidings

Operating through multiple goods sheds, including those at Arag, Bale, and Solapur, the Solapur Division has effectively coordinated its services to enhance freight operations. Key sidings at ACC Cement, Ultratech Cement, and NTPC have played a vital role in this growth. Additionally, the BPCL Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal in Hirenanduru further strengthens the division’s logistics capabilities.

In September 2025, the division achieved a total freight loading of 5.4 lakh metric tonnes, a significant increase from 2.9 lakh metric tonnes in September 2024. This achievement underscores the division’s ability to meet rising market demands and expand its freight operations.

Commodity-Wise Performance Highlights

The performance of various commodities reflects the division’s diverse freight portfolio. Cement loading reached 2.84 lakh metric tonnes across 96 rakes, marking a 27.53% increase in volume and generating freight earnings of ₹16.81 crore, up 42.06%. Clinker loading doubled, with 1.19 lakh metric tonnes yielding a total revenue of ₹6.60 crore.

Newly introduced petroleum, oil, and lubricants traffic contributed ₹4.28 crore in earnings from 31 rakes. Additionally, the division saw strong growth in jaggery, with loading increasing by 51.42% and freight revenue rising by 50.69%. Ballast also registered a 19.28% increase in earnings, supporting vital infrastructure projects in the region.

These figures reflect the Solapur Division’s capability to adapt to market demands and diversify its freight offerings effectively.

In the first half of the fiscal year 2025–26, the Solapur Division achieved cumulative growth, loading 2.91 million tonnes of goods, a rise of 15.94% from 2.51 million tonnes during the same period in 2024. Freight earnings reached ₹200.55 crore, driven by improved handling efficiency and coordination with customers. The division handled 1,010 rakes, a 13.23% increase from the previous year, highlighting its operational resilience.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr DCM) Shri Yogesh Patil has urged local industries, particularly sugar mills and agricultural producers in Solapur, Kalaburagi, and surrounding areas, to utilize the railways’ freight services more extensively. He emphasized that railway freight transport provides cost-effective and reliable options for enhancing trade across the country.

By expanding its freight base and diversifying its offerings, the Solapur Division continues to strengthen its contribution to the Central Railway’s mission of ensuring efficient, reliable, and sustainable freight movement in India.