Government launches Kanda Express trains to curb soaring onion prices
India's Centre will dispatch onion-laden Kanda Express trains from Nasik to high-price markets starting Monday as retail onion costs climb sharply.
On Saturday, the average price of onions in India reached Rs 42 per kilogram, marking a 45% increase over the previous year and a 19% rise from the month before. In response, the Centre will begin operating Kanda Express trains from Nasik to Delhi, Chennai, Kochi and Guwahati on Monday, targeting regions where onion prices are above the national mean. Government officials indicated that ample buffer stock is held by both the state and farmers, allowing a calibrated release to offset alleged trader-driven price hikes.
The food ministry also noted that sugar prices continue to climb, with retail rates at Rs 62.5 per kilogram, higher than a month ago. Market analysts attribute part of the onion price spike to a reported 5%-7% drop in Maharashtra's kharif onion output. Cooperative bodies NAFED and NCCF have secured roughly 1.2 lakh tonnes of onions for the current fiscal year, raising the procurement price to Rs 2,645 per quintal to speed purchases. The previous deployment of Kanda Express trains to curb prices took place in October 2024.
Why it matters
Rising onion and sugar costs affect household budgets, prompting government action to stabilize essential food prices.
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