To curb the sharp rise in onion prices across retail markets in the country, the central government has initiated a major supply intervention. A dedicated freight train, named the 'Kanda Express', arrived at Delhi's Adarsh Nagar Railway Station carrying a massive shipment of 800 metric tonnes of onions. With retail prices touching Rs 55 to Rs 60 per kg in several cities, the government has commenced subsidized sales at Rs 35 per kg to provide immediate relief to consumers.
Distribution via Azadpur Mandi and Retail Outlets
A significant portion of the onion cargo unloaded from the Kanda Express is being dispatched to Delhi's Azadpur Mandi. From there, the stock will be distributed to key retail outlets and mobile vans across the National Capital Region (NCR). Offering onions at roughly 18 percent below the prevailing market price is aimed at easing the financial burden on household budgets.
Relief Extended to Delhi-NCR and Neighboring Cities
The subsidized distribution is not restricted to the national capital. The initiative is being expanded to cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, and Chandigarh. In these locations, onions are being made available at Rs 35 per kg, ensuring that consumers in neighboring states also benefit from stabilized prices.
Government Measures to Stabilize Retail Inflation
Supply constraints had driven retail onion prices up to Rs 60 per kg in multiple urban centers over recent weeks. By mobilizing buffer stocks and utilizing rail transport through services like the Kanda Express, the central government aims to boost supply in major consumption hubs, preventing market hoarding and keeping food inflation under control.
