Kanda Express: Govt Fights Onion Price Surge

The government has initiated the "Kanda Express" special freight train service to address a significant increase in retail onion prices. This move aims to expedite the movement of onion stocks from Nashik, a primary onion-growing region, to several major cities experiencing supply pressures.

The first Kanda Express was scheduled to depart from Nashik for Delhi on Monday. This consignment is expected to reach the national capital by Wednesday. Additional services are planned to connect Nashik with Chennai, Kochi, and Guwahati, ensuring wider distribution.

This rail-based transportation strategy is designed to be a faster alternative for moving large volumes of onions over long distances. Officials will closely monitor market prices and supply levels in affected areas to determine the necessity of further shipments. The government has a history of using strategic procurement and market interventions to maintain stable onion prices.