Rail Freight Transport in March 2025

In March 2025, more than 17.9 million tonnes of cargo were transported by rail, which is 0.7 million tonnes less (-3.9%) compared to March 2024. The transport performance achieved by freight trains exceeded 4.7 billion tonne-kilometres, which is over 0.2 billion tonne-kilometres less (-4.9%) year-on-year. Operational performance reached nearly 6.6 million train-kilometres, representing a year-on-year decrease of 0.4 million train-kilometres (-5.1%). The average transport distance per tonne of cargo in March was 262.4 km – nearly 3 km less than in March 2024.

Since 2012, a lower cargo volume in March was recorded only in 2016 (17.8 million tonnes). In terms of transport and operational performance, weaker results were noted in March 2020 (4.4 billion tonne-kilometres and 6.4 million train-kilometres, respectively).

However, the results achieved last month in key freight transport parameters were the highest since the beginning of 2025. Compared to February, almost 1.3 million tonnes more cargo were transported in March (+7.7%). Freight train transport performance increased by nearly 0.5 billion tonne-kilometres (+10.6%). Operational performance rose by 0.6 million train-kilometres (+9.9%) compared to February. The average transport distance per tonne of cargo in March this year was 7 km longer than in the previous month.

Since 2023, the freight segment has been experiencing a downward trend. The beginning of 2025 shows that it is increasingly difficult to achieve monthly cargo volumes of 20 million tonnes. Demand for the transport of certain goods, such as coal, is changing, and the railway sector must adapt and offer new solutions. Despite new challenges, more and more companies see an opportunity to turn a profit in this market. On the other hand, there are concerning reports about some carriers struggling to meet their current financial obligations.
– said Dr. Eng. Ignacy Góra, President of the Railway Transport Office (UTK).

In the first three months of 2025, the railways handled over 52.2 million tonnes of cargo. That is nearly 2 million tonnes less (-3.6%) compared to the same period in 2024. The transport performance reached nearly 13.4 billion tonne-kilometres, which is 0.7 billion tonne-kilometres less (-4.7%) year-on-year. Operational performance exceeded 18.9 million train-kilometres during the period, a decrease of 1 million train-kilometres (-4.8%) compared to the first quarter of the previous year.

Basic operational data on freight transport have been published on the Railway Data website (in Polish).

Source: Office of Rail Transport (UTK)