Special onion express trains to supply metros at Rs 35 per kg

A specially designated freight service dubbed the 'Kanda Express' will begin operations this week to transport bulk onions directly to major consumption centres across India, officials said on Tuesday. The inaugural consignment of 800 tonnes is expected to reach Delhi on Wednesday, priced at Rs 35 per kilogramme, marking a significant move to address onion supply challenges in the country.

The Consumer Affairs Ministry has coordinated the deployment of dedicated railway rakes to transport onions from producing regions to five key distribution hubs, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare. Besides Delhi, the initiative includes dedicated rail corridors to Chennai, Ernakulam, Madurai and Guwahati, ensuring broader geographic coverage across South and Southeast India.

The freight service represents a strategic effort to bypass traditional wholesale markets and reduce intermediary costs, potentially offering consumers more affordable access to the essential commodity. By leveraging railway infrastructure for bulk vegetable transport, the government aims to create a more efficient supply chain while stabilising prices across regional markets.

The 'Kanda Express' initiative underscores growing government focus on using rail transport for perishable goods distribution. Officials indicated that the success of the initial operations could pave the way for expanded services covering additional vegetables and reaching more cities in subsequent phases.