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Kanda Express to boost onion supplies in West Bengal
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Friday, 25 September, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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The Government of India is strengthening onion supplies in West Bengal through the release of onions from the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) buffer stock. The Kanda Express, carrying onions from the buffer will , facilitate the faster movement of larger quantities to Kolkata and adjoining districts.
Around 1,400 MT of onions have already been distributed across West Bengal through NAFED and NCCF mobile vans at Rs 35 per kg, primarily through road transport. The arrival of the Kanda Express is expected to improve market availability and help moderate seasonal price pressures.
The consignment will be distributed across Kolkata and neighbouring districts, with a focus on markets where additional supplies can have an impact on retail prices. In Kolkata, retail sales are currently being conducted at more than 25 locations, including Koley Market, Mechua Mandi, Maniktala Market, Rampuria Market and Shyam Bazar Market.
The Government is also exploring retail sales of buffer-stock onions through Sufal Bangla outlets, which could provide consumers with additional access points and expand the reach of the intervention.
The Kolkata-bound Kanda Express is part of the Government’s broader strategy to release onions from the PSF buffer stock through a hybrid rail-and-road transportation network. Targeted disposal of buffer stock through NAFED and NCCF began on August 24, 2026, with supplies being moved progressively to markets based on regional requirements.
So far, buffer-stock onions have been supplied to more than 100 cities across the country. The combined use of rail and road transportation has enabled larger quantities to be moved while responding to regional market requirements.
The increased availability has also contributed to easing price pressures in several markets. During the past week, retail onion prices remained stable or declined in 17 States and Union Territories, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.
The Government continues to monitor onion availability and prices across major consuming markets and is undertaking calibrated releases from the buffer stock as required. Further supplies are expected to be directed to markets based on local requirements, particularly during the upcoming festive season.
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