Agartala, October 16, 2026: In an effort to check onion price fluctuations and meet the rising demand during the festive season, the Centre has initiated a special rail-based supply operation to Tripura, with approximately 440 metric tonnes of onions scheduled to reach Agartala by October 18.
The consignment is being transported under the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) as part of the Department of Consumer Affairs’ efforts to strengthen the availability of essential commodities and keep prices within affordable limits. The service marks the first-ever operation of the Kanda Express to Tripura.
The move is part of a broader strategy to improve the distribution of buffer onion stocks across the Northeast. After extending the special service to Assam, the Centre has now brought Tripura into the network to facilitate the movement of onions to markets facing seasonal demand.
Officials expect the initiative to improve supplies in seven districts of Tripura, including Dhalai, South Tripura, Khowai, Unakoti, West Tripura, Gomati and Sepahijala. Rail transportation, supplemented by road-based distribution, will be used to ensure that the stocks reach major consumption centres and local markets.
According to official information, more than 2,800 metric tonnes of onions have already been dispatched to different parts of the Northeast through two Kanda Express rakes and 44 truck consignments. The expanded supply network is intended to strengthen market availability and reduce the possibility of sharp price increases during the festive period.
The development comes amid signs of easing wholesale onion prices across the country following an improvement in fresh Kharif arrivals. The average mandi price reportedly declined from around Rs 3,600 per quintal in September to nearly Rs 3,300 per quintal in October.
The arrival of the inaugural Kanda Express consignment is expected to provide additional support to Tripura’s onion supply chain. The Centre’s intervention aims to ensure adequate availability of the essential kitchen commodity and prevent excessive price volatility at a time when household consumption typically increases during the festive season.