To provide relief to consumers ahead of Diwali, the government has launched the ‘Kanda Express,’ a special train carrying 1,600 tonnes of onions from Nashik, Maharashtra, to Delhi. With onion prices reaching Rs 75 per kg, this initiative is expected to ease the strain on the market and bring down prices.
‘Kanda Express’ to Boost Onion Supply
The ‘Kanda Express,’ carrying 42 coaches full of onions, is set to arrive at Delhi’s Kishanganj railway station. This massive consignment will be distributed across wholesale markets in the capital, significantly increasing the daily supply of onions to 2,500-2,600 tonnes. The increased availability of onions is expected to stabilize prices, bringing much-needed relief to consumers during the festive season.
Affordable Onions at Retail Outlets
As part of the government’s price stabilization strategy, retail outlets such as Safal and Kendriya Bhandar will sell onions at just Rs 35 per kg—less than half of the current market price of Rs 75 per kg. This is the first time bulk onion transportation through rail has been adopted, marking a significant step in managing essential commodity prices.
Further Rail Shipments to Stabilize Prices
Nidhi Khare, Consumer Affairs Secretary, stated that the railways will play a larger role in onion transportation moving forward. Additional shipments are planned to cities like Lucknow and Varanasi, ensuring a steady supply across the region. As onion supplies from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh increase, prices are expected to drop further, benefiting consumers nationwide.
Impact on Onion Prices Across States
The government’s intervention has already started to show results, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Odisha recording lower onion prices compared to earlier this year. This trend is expected to continue as more onions are transported by rail, helping to stabilize prices and ensure affordability for consumers during the festive season.
