Southern Railway's Salem Division Registers Significant Freight Growth in 2025-26
The Salem division of Southern Railway has reported a substantial increase in freight operations during the 2025-26 financial year, marking a positive trend in regional logistics and economic activity.
Freight Loading and Revenue Performance
According to official data from the division, freight loading reached 3.22 million tonnes in 2025-26, representing a 12.96% increase from the 2.85 million tonnes recorded in the previous fiscal year (2024-25). This growth translated into significant revenue gains, with earnings rising to Rs337.32 crore from Rs305.83 crore in 2024-25.
Major Clients and Commodity Breakdown
The division's freight operations are supported by several key industrial clients, including:
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
- Container Corporation of India (CONCOR)
- India Cements
- Chettinad Cement Corporation Private Limited
- JSW Steel Limited
- Bull Machines Private Limited
The primary commodities transported include petroleum products, cement, iron and steel blooms, and containers. An official source emphasized that petroleum products constituted the largest share of freight, with over two million tonnes loaded specifically from Irugur in Coimbatore, generating revenue of Rs256.50 crore.
Parcel Transportation Also Shows Strong Growth
In addition to bulk freight, the division experienced a 22.02% surge in parcel transportation. During 2025-26, it handled 6,23,879 quintals of parcels, earning Rs25.47 crore, compared to 5,11,309 quintals and Rs21.49 crore in 2024-25.
This performance underscores the Salem division's critical role in supporting industrial and commercial activities across the region, contributing to both local and national economic development through efficient rail logistics.
