Gross Traffic Receipts (GTR) of Indian Railways refer to the total revenue generated from its core and ancillary operations, including passenger fares, freight charges, and earnings from parcel services, catering, advertising, and other commercial activities. This metric captures the overall financial inflow into the railway system, reflecting its performance, efficiency, and market responsiveness. As a national transporter serving millions daily, Indian Railways derives the bulk of its GTR from passenger and freight traffic, with freight historically contributing a larger share due to bulk movement of goods such as coal, cement, and food grains.

The GTR serves as a vital indicator of the economic health and financial sustainability of Indian Railways. It is influenced by various factors such as passenger demand, freight volume, seasonal trends, tariff policies, fuel prices, and broader economic conditions. In recent years, efforts to enhance GTR have included infrastructure upgrades, expansion of freight corridors, improved logistics, and digitization of ticketing and services. Government policies also play a significant role in shaping GTR outcomes through subsidies, investment decisions, and pricing reforms. Monitoring GTR is essential for planning investments, managing expenditures, and ensuring that Indian Railways remains a financially robust and growth-oriented entity contributing to national development and connectivity.