The South Western Railway (SWR) zone, a crucial network connecting Karnataka and Goa, has posted impressive financial and operational results for the current financial year. The zone witnessed significant growth in both passenger journeys and freight loading, leading to a substantial rise in its earnings.
Financial Growth and Passenger Surge
SWR's revenue climbed to nearly Rs 7 crore by December 2025, marking a robust increase of 15% compared to the previous fiscal year. A major driver of this success was the passenger segment. In the last calendar year, SWR trains carried a staggering 174.4 million passengers, which is 6.5% higher than the 163 million passengers transported in 2024.
This surge in footfall translated into passenger revenues of Rs 3,365 crore, continuing a trend of strong growth that saw a 7.7% increase in passenger revenue generation the year before. Officials noted that the Bengaluru division was at the forefront of this growth, leading the increase in both passenger numbers and revenue within the zone.
Festivals, Elections, and New Trains Drive Demand
Senior SWR officials explained the spike by pointing to a confluence of factors. The year featured a long festive season with many holidays in quick succession, which encouraged long-distance travel to home states. Additionally, assembly elections in Bihar and Delhi played a role, as these states have a significant migrant population working in Karnataka, leading to increased rail travel.
To cater to the growing demand and improve connectivity, the zone also enhanced its services. It introduced 12 new trains, including two modern Vande Bharat Express services, and extended the routes of 26 existing trains, including several MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) services.
Freight Emerges as Dominant Revenue Contributor
While passenger traffic grew steadily, freight remained the powerhouse of SWR's earnings. The zone set a remarkable record in December 2025 alone, by originating 5.1 million tonnes (MT) of freight. This is a significant jump from the 4 MT handled in December 2024, underscoring the zone's critical role in goods transportation.
The consistent performance across both passenger and freight segments highlights SWR's operational efficiency and its vital contribution to the regional economy of Karnataka and Goa. The strategic introduction of new trains and route extensions, coupled with favorable socio-political events, created a perfect recipe for growth in the 2025 fiscal period.
