Russian rail freight -- a key indicator of the country's broader economic health -- may grow by 11 percent this year, more than expected, Interfax agency cited the head of state monopoly Russian Railways as saying.

"Compared to the previous period (year), freight cargo may be about 11 percent higher," Interfax cited Vladimir Yakunin, Russian Railway's chief executive, as saying.

The previous forecast was 7.5 percent growth this year. (Reuters)