The Centre has extended its rail-based buffer onion distribution network to Tripura, sending around 440 metric tonnes of onions to Agartala through the newly launched Kanda Express service ahead of the festive season. The consignment is intended to improve availability, increase market stocks and help keep retail prices under control across the state.
Tripura civil supplies minister Sushanta Chowdhury said on Saturday that the shipment, funded through the Centre’s Price Stabilisation Fund, was expected to reach Agartala on Sunday. The move adds Tripura to the Centre’s rail-linked distribution network for buffer onions after similar supplies were routed to Assam.
The onions will be moved from Agartala to seven districts through a combined rail-and-road distribution system. The districts identified for coverage are Dhalai, South Tripura, Khowai, Unakoti, West Tripura, Gomati and Sepahijala.
The distribution plan is designed to strengthen supply chains during a period of higher seasonal demand. By using rail for the long-distance movement of onions and roads for onward distribution, the Centre and state authorities are creating an additional channel for bringing essential food supplies into the northeastern state.
Officials said more than 2,800 metric tonnes of onions had already been sent to the Northeast through two rakes and 44 trucks. The latest consignment marks the addition of Tripura to that distribution effort and is expected to support stock availability in markets across the state.
The intervention comes as wholesale onion prices have shown a decline nationally. The average mandi price fell from about Rs 3,600 per quintal in September to Rs 3,300 per quintal in October, according to the information provided by officials. The Centre’s buffer stock operation is intended to reinforce that price movement in Tripura by increasing supplies during the festive period.
The Price Stabilisation Fund is being used to finance the shipment, while distribution within Tripura will involve the state’s civil supplies system and road transport network. The consignment’s expected arrival in Agartala on Sunday will be followed by movement to the seven identified districts.
