PRAYAGRAJ: North Central Railway (NCR) recorded an 11% rise in freight loading in Aug, while its cumulative loading during the first five months of 2026-27 grew by 8.2% compared with the corresponding period last year.The Prayagraj Division emerged as the strongest performer, registering a 28.7% increase in freight loading during April-Aug and crossing its target for the period. Originating freight revenue from April-August has been Rs. 1003.74 cr which is a 5.7% growth over the corresponding period of the previous year when NCR earned Rs.949.53 crore.NCR loaded 1.771 million tonnes of freight in Aug, compared with 1.596 MT in the same month last year. Between April and Aug, the zone handled 9.015 MT, up from 8.331 MT during the corresponding period of 2025-26, NCR senior PRO Amit Malviya said.The Prayagraj Division accounted for 3.670 MT during the five-month period, against 2.852 MT last year. Its loading was also 2.2% above target of 3.590 MT. In Aug, the division loaded 0.693 MT, registering a 23.5% year-on-year increase.Jhansi Division recorded 4.063 MT during April-Aug, up 5% from 3.871 MT last year. Its Aug loading increased 14.4% to 0.785 MT. Agra Division contributed 1.282 MT during the five-month period, including 0.293 MT in Aug.