Mangaluru: The Palakkad division of Southern Railway achieved a milestone in freight performance during Feb, reflecting robust industrial and agricultural activity across Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.Against a target of 0.6 million tonnes (MT) for Feb, the division achieved an actual loading of 0.8 MT, registering an impressive 32.9% growth over the target, the highest ever in Feb. This marked a healthy 8.5% year-on-year growth, indicating sustained demand for rail freight services across the states served by the division.For FY 2025-26, up to Feb, the division loaded 6.5 MT as against 6.0 MT in FY 2024-25, recording a strong 8.7% growth compared to last year. Cement loading recorded an exceptional 267.5% increase over Feb last year. The division successfully captured new cement traffic movement from Malabar Cements, Walayar, and continued its good cooperation with Adani Cements, Madukkarai, thereby playing a vital part in the cement and infrastructure supply chain. The annual cement loading target of 0.04 MT was already surpassed, with a cumulative achievement of 1,12,000 tonnes up to Feb.Fertiliser loading increased by 71% compared to Feb 2025. The annual target of 1.1 MT was exceeded, with cumulative loading reaching 1.2 MT. Loading of other commodities like limestone, laterite, and palm oil witnessed a remarkable 755.7% growth over last year.The division moved 1,69,935 tonnes of cement, 65,260 tonnes of foodgrains, and 7,345 tonnes of fertiliser to various goods sheds in the division in Feb alone.The impressive freight growth demonstrated the increasing preference for rail transport by industries and agricultural stakeholders across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, according to a release.
