Following a sharp rise in retail onion prices, the Centre has decided to run special Kanda Express freight trains to move onion stocks from Nashik to major cities facing supply pressures, NDTV reported, citing sources in the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry.
Sources said the special freight services will link Nashik with Delhi, Chennai, Kochi and Guwahati, facilitating the swift movement of fresh onion stocks to markets that have witnessed a sharp rise in prices in recent days.
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The first Kanda Express was likely to depart from Nashik for Delhi on Monday, with the consignment expected to reach the national capital on Wednesday, the sources said.
The Centre has been closely monitoring onion availability and prices as higher demand and supply constraints in some markets put upward pressure on retail rates.
The rail-based movement is expected to provide a faster alternative for transporting large quantities of onions over long distances, particularly to markets where prices have witnessed a notable increase.
The government has in recent years used strategic onion procurement and market interventions to stabilise prices and ensure adequate availability for consumers.
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The latest move comes as authorities seek to prevent the price rise from intensifying across major urban markets.
The special trains will carry fresh onion stocks from the Nashik region, one of the country's key onion-producing hubs, to the identified destinations.
Officials are expected to monitor the movement of prices and supplies in these markets to determine whether additional consignments or freight services are required in the coming days.
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