Kanda Express to Control Onion Prices

• 24 Aug 2026

On 24th August 2026, the Centre will launch “Kanda Express” to transport buffer-stock onions from Maharashtra to high-price markets.

Key Points

• Special Rail Service: Onions will be transported from Nashik to Delhi, Chennai, Kochi and Guwahati.
• Price Surge: Average onion prices reached around ₹42/kg, rising 45% year-on-year.
• High-Price Markets: Delhi recorded around ₹65/kg, while Chennai recorded around ₹58/kg.
• Government Intervention: Buffer stocks will be released to increase supplies and contain price escalation.
• Production Concern: Kharif onion production in Maharashtra may decline by 5–7% due to lower acreage.
• Buffer Procurement: National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) have procured around 1.2 lakh tonnes of onions.
• Previous Initiative: A similar Kanda Express was operated in October 2024 to stabilise onion prices.