ECR ranks fourth in freight loading

Patna: The East Central Railway (ECR) has recorded strong performance for the second consecutive year in the freight loading segment, reinforcing its position among the top performing railway zones in the country.

According to ECR general manager Chhatrasal Singh, the zone recorded freight loading of 203 million tonnes during the 2025-26 fiscal, the fourth highest among all zones of Indian Railways. He said the consistent growth highlights the zone’s strong operational efficiency and its crucial role in freight transportation, particularly in mineral and industrial sectors.

ECR CPRO Saraswati Chandra said in the passenger revenue segment the zone registered earnings of Rs 4,917 crore, marking a 6.89% increase over the previous financial year. The steady rise reflects improved passenger services and increased footfall across stations in the region, he said.

Significant growth was also recorded in the catering segment where revenue rose to Rs 91 crore, an increase of 88.31% compared to the preceding year. The railways attributed the rise to improved service quality and expanded catering facilities on trains and at stations, the CPRO said.

ECR also performed well in enforcement activities. During the ticket-checking drive, it secured the third rank in Indian Railways by generating Rs 232 crore revenue. The zone also earned Rs 401 crore under sundry revenue.

On the operational front, ECR introduced 45 pairs of new trains during 2025-26, including 17 pairs of Amrit Bharat Express, two pairs of Vande Bharat Express and one pair of Namo Bharat. Chandra said 14,559 trips were operated by special trains last year, facilitating passenger movement during festive periods.