{
  "id": 3049379,
  "title": "Govt's 'Kanda Express' solution for onion prices",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/govts-kanda-express-solution-for-onion-prices",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-24T14:16:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/onion-prices-up-59-govt-ramps-up-kanda-express-supplies-to-cool-market/articleshow/133470425.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Centre has initiated the use of dedicated railway rakes, known as the Kanda Express, to transport bulk onion stocks from Nashik in Maharashtra to major cities in a bid to boost supplies and curb rising prices, according to a Consumer Affairs Secretary, Nidhi Khare. These stocks are anticipated to reach their designated destinations by Wednesday. The retail price of onion in August 24 saw a sharp increase of 59 per cent year-on-year to Rs 43.53/kg, while the wholesale price surged 68 per cent to Rs 35.58/kg.\n\nAt present, the onion buffer stock is stationed at Nashik and is being transported in bulk through rail rakes. These supplies will be offloaded in both wholesale and retail markets in select consuming centers, including Chennai, Madurai, Delhi, Ernakulam, and Guwahati. Khare informed that additional destinations may be added as per market requirements. The onion will be sold at Rs 35 per kg in the retail market through agencies NCCF and Nafed.\n\nKhare highlighted that the government is monitoring prices closely to take further measures. She noted that the onion buffer stock, procured primarily through agencies like NAFED and NCCF, is sufficient to meet the demand for the current year. With an estimated production of 307.37 lakh tonnes for the 2025-26 season, matching the previous year's production, the supply situation remains comfortable. The government will continue to monitor prices, market arrivals, and availability across states and take further interventions if necessary.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}