Perishable goods, agricultural products, including milk, meat and fish are transported through Kisan Rail

In a gesture to the farmers that the central government cares for their wellbeing and progress, the Indian railways has introduced ‘Kisan Rail’ services in eighteen routes across the country.

“The primary objective of running Kisan Rail trains is to increase the income in the farm sector by connecting production centers to markets and consumption centers,” the Ministry of Railways said in a statement, adding the move in accordance with the announcement made in the Union Budget 2020-21.

Perishable goods, agricultural products, including milk, meat and fish are transported through Kisan Rail.

“This is multi-commodity, multi-consignor, consignee, multi-loading, unloading transportation product which is aimed at providing a wider market to kisan,” the Ministry said.

Railways has been actively pursuing with various stake holders – including the Ministry of Agriculture, state governments, and local bodies – to plan roll out of Kisan Rail services. Based on demand pattern and feedback received from stakeholders, railways have so far operated Kisan Rail services on eighteen routes.

The first Kisan Rail train was flagged-off on 07.08.2020 between Devlali (Mah) and Danapur (Bihar).

These Kisan Rail trains are run on time-tabled paths, and their punctuality is strictly monitored to avoid any en-route detentions and delays.

Till January 22, 157 services of Kisan Rail have been run, transporting more than 49,000 tonnes of consignments.

Utilization of these services is being monitored on a regular basis to ensure optimal utilization of railway stock (parcel vans).

Primary commodities being transported via Kisan Rail are onion, tomato, oranges, potato, pomegranate, banana, custard-apple, carrots, capsicum, and other vegetables.

Commodities booked via Kisan Rail trains are charged at ‘P’-scale of parcel tariff. Under ‘Operation Greens – TOP to Total’s scheme of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries a subsidy of 50 percent is being granted on the transportation of fruits and vegetables via Kisan Rail.

This subsidy is being granted upfront at the time of booking itself, to the consignors and farmers – so that the benefit reaches the farmers without any hassles or procedural delays.