Railways and road transport ministries successfully utilised their entire capital expenditure allocation for FY26, amounting to approximately ₹5.5 lakh crore. According to reports from The Times of India, this comprehensive utilisation demonstrates effective project implementation across both sectors during the financial year. The ministries' ability to deploy the entire allocated budget reflects strong execution capabilities and priority focus on infrastructure development.
Indian Railways reported strong financial performance with passenger movement earnings rising 6% to around ₹80,000 crore in 2025-26, as reported by The Times of India. However, freight revenue showed more modest growth at a 1.4% increase to ₹17.8 lakh crore. The national transporter achieved record operational metrics, carrying 741 crore passengers during the financial year and achieving freight loading at an all-time high of 1,670 million tonnes, though this fell short of the target of 1,700 MT.
The road transport ministry reported significant progress in highway construction, with 9,100 km of highway construction completed and new works awarded at 6,500 km. According to The Times of India, NHAI constructed 5,313 km of national highways, representing approximately 15% higher than the target of 4,640 km for the year. The capital expenditure by NHAI in 2025-26 was ₹2.4 lakh crore, which was about 2.5% higher than budgetary support, with the differential met through NHAI's own resources.
Railway freight operations showed robust growth driven by specific commodity segments, as reported by The Times of India. Freight growth was led by a 13% increase in fertiliser, pig iron and finished steel transport, while iron ore loading increased 6.7% and cement volume went up 3.4%. These increases reflect steady activity in the infrastructure and construction sectors, demonstrating the national transporter's role in supporting key industrial segments.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced a comprehensive ₹25,000 crore capital expenditure plan from FY2024-25 to FY2028-29 to meet rising passenger demand. As per The Times of India, AAI secured an 'Excellent' rating (93.21 score) under the MoU for FY 2024-25 with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, reflecting strong operational performance. The authority completed new terminal buildings at Patna, Datia, Satna, Tuticorin, Purnea, and Halwara, while foundation stones were laid for new airports at Bihta and Kota-Bundi. AAI also reported that 94 AAI airports now operate on 100% green energy under the SUGAM mission, with the Flexible Use of Airspace initiative saving ₹1,230 crore in fuel and reducing 3,87,509 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
