Since the first Kisan Rail service launch in August 2020, Indian Railway has operated 1,586 Kisan Rail services, transporting approximately 5.2 lakh tonnes of perishables.
These services have operated from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
In compliance with the announcement made in Union Budget 2020-21, Kisan Rail trains have been introduced by Indian Railways to enable swift movement of perishables including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fishery and dairy products from the production or surplus regions to consumption or deficient areas.
Potential circuits for movement of Kisan Rail services are identified in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries departments of state governments, and local bodies and agencies, Mandis etc. Based on demand, rakes are provided on priority for Kisan Rail services.
“So far, no difficulties have been faced while transporting goods through Kisan rail services. Halts, the number of trips, the composition of time-tabled Kisan Rail services, and the introduction of new services are finalized in consultation with farmers and consignors,” the Ministry of Railways said.