1 week ago
Kanda Express Brings Subsidised Onions to Delhi Amid Price Rise
The government is sending a special train called Kanda Express to Delhi with about 800 tonnes of onions.
The train is expected to arrive on Wednesday, although one report said it could arrive on Wednesday or Thursday.
The onions will be sold for Rs 35 per kilogram at selected government-linked stores.
This is cheaper than the average Delhi price of about Rs 55 per kilogram.
Other trains are carrying onions to Chennai, Ernakulam, Madurai and Guwahati.
The onions come from a reserve kept by the government in Nashik, Maharashtra.
The reserve is used when prices rise or supplies become tighter.
The government says onion supplies should remain comfortable in the coming months, but prices often rise seasonally around August and September.
The first Kanda Express, carrying about 800 tonnes of onions from Nashik, is scheduled to reach Delhi on Wednesday.
The onions will be sold for Rs 35 per kilogram through NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar outlets.
Dedicated railway rakes are also sending buffer-stock onions to Chennai, Ernakulam, Madurai and Guwahati.
The Centre is releasing onions from its strategic reserve to improve supplies and moderate rising prices.
Kanda Express operations expanded from 14 rakes carrying nearly 12,000 tonnes in 2024-25 to 86 rakes carrying about 88,000 tonnes in 2025-26.
- Who
- The Centre, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare, NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar are involved.
- What
- About 800 tonnes of buffer-stock onions are being sent to Delhi for subsidised sale at Rs 35 per kilogram.
- Where
- The onions are being transported from Nashik, Maharashtra, to Delhi, Chennai, Ernakulam, Madurai and Guwahati.
- When
- The announcement was made on Tuesday, and the first train is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday; one report said arrival could be Wednesday or Thursday.
- Why
- The government is releasing reserve onions to improve availability and contain price increases.
Key facts
- Delhi shipment
- About 800 tonnes of onions
- Subsidised price
- Rs 35 per kilogram
- Delhi retail channels
- NAFED, NCCF and Kendriya Bhandar stores; NCCF sources also cited 10 outlets and 105 Bharat Brand stores
- Delhi average retail price
- Rs 55 per kilogram on the cited Tuesday, compared with Rs 35 a year earlier
- All-India retail price
- Rs 43.53 per kilogram on August 24, up 59% year-on-year and 24.3% from a month earlier
- Kanda Express expansion
- From 14 rakes carrying nearly 12,000 tonnes in 2024-25 to 86 rakes carrying about 88,000 tonnes in 2025-26
- Strategic reserve
- About 1.21 lakh tonnes of onion buffer stock maintained for 2026
- Production outlook
- Estimated 2025-26 production of 307.37 lakh tonnes, broadly matching 307.67 lakh tonnes the previous year
Quotes
Nidhi Khare
Consumer affairs secretary who announced the subsidized onion distribution
“Initially, the onion will be supplied to five major consumption centres, namely Chennai, Madurai, Delhi, Ernakulam and Guwahati, with additional destinations to be included subsequently based on emerging market requirements.”
NDTV
“Coming Soon: Kanda Express is bringing about 800 metric tons of onions to Delhi to be sold at Rs. 35/kg at NAFED, NCCF and Kendriye Bhandar stores.”
livemint.com
Sources
First Kanda Express carrying 800 tn onions to reach Delhi Wednesday, retail price fixed at Rs 35/kg
Government To Sell Onions At ₹35/Kg In Delhi, Kanda Express Brings 800 Tonnes Wednesday
Centre to sell onions at subsidized ₹35 per kg in Delhi
'Kanda Express' with 800 tn onion to reach Delhi tomorrow
Kanda Express To Bring Rs 35/Kg Onions To Delhi-NCR From Maharashtra
Govt to sell onions at Rs 35/kg in Delhi; 1st ‘Kanda Express’ with 800 tn supply to reach on Wed
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