The Central Railway’s Pune division earned over ₹210 crore from sugar freight across western Maharashtra in the first 11 months of the current financial year, officials said. The earnings reflect a broader rise in rail cargo, including automobiles, petroleum products, railway material and onions.
Between April 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, the division transported 7.92 lakh tonnes of sugar, generating ₹210.49 crore. Sugar contributed the largest share of freight revenue, driven by higher output and a shift towards rail for bulk transport.
In total, the division handled 1,441 rakes from loading points across western Maharashtra. Sugar factories in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and parts of Pune district increasingly opted for rail to move produce to consumption centres and ports, citing cost efficiency, reliability and improved loading facilities.
Automobiles formed another major segment, with 593 rakes carrying over 2.17 lakh tonnes and earning ₹98.18 crore. Petroleum products accounted for 250 rakes transporting about 6.44 lakh tonnes, generating ₹37.15 crore.
Railway material contributed ₹15.57 crore from 209 rakes moving nearly 2.97 lakh tonnes, while 14 rakes of onions carried 25,676 tonnes, earning ₹3.32 crore.
Four-wheelers are transported to other states from hubs such as Chinchwad, Khadki and Loni. Sugar, molasses and fruits move from Baramati, Sangli and Satara. Key automobile terminals include Kalamboli (Mumbai), Ajani (Nagpur division), Nashik Road (Bhusawal division), Daund (Solapur division), and Khadki, Chinchwad, Miraj and Loni in Pune division.
Officials said sustained engagement with industries and logistics operators, along with upgrades at goods sheds and greater operational flexibility, has supported cargo growth.
“The Pune division has seen steady growth in freight loading, particularly from sugar factories and automobile companies. Rail is increasingly preferred for bulk commodities due to competitive rates and efficient handling,” a senior commercial official said.
Efforts are underway to develop new loading points and strengthen existing terminals to attract more freight. With the sugar season ongoing and industrial output stable, further growth is expected in the coming months.
