1. What does it mean that India is the 2nd biggest rail freight mover?
Answer: It means Indian Railways has surpassed the United States to become the world’s second-largest carrier of goods by rail, transporting over 1.61 billion tonnes of freight in FY25.

2. Which country is the biggest rail freight mover in the world?
Answer: China remains the world’s largest rail freight mover, handling the highest cargo volumes globally.

3. How much freight did Indian Railways transport in FY25?
Answer: Indian Railways carried a record 1.61 billion tonnes of freight in fiscal year 2025, earning over ₹2.62 lakh crore.

4. Why is India’s achievement as the 2nd biggest rail freight mover important?
Answer: This milestone highlights India’s growing economic strength, reduced logistics costs, lower carbon emissions, and its progress toward becoming a global logistics hub.

5. What steps is India taking to improve freight efficiency further?
Answer: India is expanding its Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), modernizing stations, introducing new trains, doubling rail lines, and replacing old coaches with modern LHB coaches.

6. Is India also leading in locomotive manufacturing?
Answer: Yes. India has become the world’s largest locomotive manufacturer, producing 1,600 locomotives in the past year—more than the combined output of the US, Europe, and Japan.

7. How does rail freight growth benefit India’s economy?
Answer: By moving more cargo through rail, India reduces road congestion, cuts CO₂ emissions by 95%, saves oil imports, and strengthens its supply chain efficiency.