Freight earns 65–70% of railway revenue, funding operations and passenger travel, making it the system’s financial backbone
A parliamentary panel urges railways to diversify beyond coal and iron ore towards ecommerce and modern freight
With freight rates largely unchanged since 2018, lawmakers want annual reviews to stay competitive with roads
Railways’ freight share has fallen from 60% in 1991 to under 30% today, even as the target is 45% by 2031
Passenger travel is heavily subsidised by freight, with tickets costing about 45% less than actual expenses
With wage and pension costs set to rise, freight cannot fund everything. Passenger fares must rise, or rail finances will worsen