2 days ago
Centre Sends Discounted Onions to West Bengal via Kanda Express
The government is sending more onions to West Bengal to help keep prices under control.
It has already sold 1,400 tonnes at Rs 35 per kilogram.
The onions were sold through mobile vans run by NAFED and NCCF.
A special train called Kanda Express is expected to reach Kolkata on September 24, 2026.
More onions will be sold in Kolkata and nearby districts.
This is happening before the festive season, when demand may increase.
The government is using onions kept in a buffer stock for emergencies.
Officials say prices have remained stable or fallen in 17 States and Union Territories after similar supplies.
The Centre has distributed 1,400 tonnes of onions in West Bengal at Rs 35 per kg.
The Kanda Express carrying onions from the Price Stabilization Fund buffer stock is scheduled to reach Kolkata on September 24, 2026.
The fresh supply will be distributed in Kolkata and adjoining districts ahead of the festive season.
Retail sales are taking place at more than 25 Kolkata locations through NAFED and NCCF mobile vans.
The government says buffer-stock releases have helped stabilize or reduce onion prices in 17 States and Union Territories.
- Who
- The Centre, through the Department of Consumer Affairs, NAFED and NCCF.
- What
- The government is distributing 1,400 tonnes of onions at Rs 35 per kilogram and sending additional buffer-stock onions by Kanda Express.
- Where
- West Bengal, especially Kolkata and adjoining districts.
- When
- The announcement was made on September 23, 2026; Kanda Express is scheduled to arrive on September 24, 2026.
- Why
- To improve onion availability, moderate seasonal price pressures and provide relief ahead of the festive season.
Key facts
- Quantity already distributed
- 1,400 tonnes of onions
- Discounted price
- Rs 35 per kilogram
- Scheduled train arrival
- September 24, 2026, in Kolkata
- Distribution agencies
- National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India
- Kolkata retail locations
- More than 25 locations
- Buffer-stock release began
- August 24, 2026
- Reported price trend
- Retail onion prices remained stable or declined in 17 States and Union Territories
Quotes
Department of Consumer Affairs
The central government department overseeing consumer affairs and onion supply measures.
“Around 1,400 tonnes of onions have already been distributed in West Bengal through NAFED and NCCF mobile vans at Rs 35 per kg, mainly through road transport. With the arrival of Kanda Express, additional quantities will now be moved more efficiently, helping improve market availability and moderate seasonal price pressures.”
theprint.in
“Kanda Express carrying onions from the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) buffer stock is scheduled to reach Kolkata on 24 September 2026.”
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