Subsidised Onions at ₹35/kg in Delhi-NCR via Kanda Express: Key Summary

To curb sharp inflationary spikes in essential kitchen staples, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has initiated bulk transport and distribution of onions from its strategic buffer stock. Freight trains under the Kanda Express initiative are transporting onions directly from Nashik, Maharashtra, to lower retail prices in key consumption hubs.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

1. Subsidised Price Point:

   • Onions will be retailed at ₹35 per kg across Delhi-NCR.

   • This comes as the all-India average retail price climbed 59% year-on-year to ₹43.53 per kg (as of August 24, 2026), with prices touching ₹55/kg in Delhi and ₹60/kg in Chennai.

2. Distribution & Retail Outlets:

   • Managed by the National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF).

   • Sales will launch initially across 10 NCCF retail outlets in Delhi-NCR.

   • Additionally, subsidised onions will be made available through 105 Bharat Brand retail stores and designated mobile vans.

3. Logistics Timeline:

   • The first Kanda Express freight rake from Nashik is scheduled to reach the national capital between Wednesday (Aug 26) and Thursday (Aug 27, 2026).

   • Subsidised distribution will commence immediately upon arrival.

4. Multi-City Rollout:

   • Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare confirmed that initial releases from the buffer stock will target five high-demand consumption centres: Delhi, Chennai, Madurai, Ernakulam, and Guwahati. Additional regions will be covered based on price trends.

Overview of Market Inflation Trends

Next Steps

• To locate operational NCCF and Bharat Brand distribution centers or read official notices from the consumer affairs department, visit the Department of Consumer Affairs Portal or NCCF India Official Website.