Maligaon, August 08: The Indian Railways introduced first “Kisan Rail” from Devlali to Danapur yesterday on 07/08/2020 from Devlali. The train was flagged off via video conferencing by Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal and Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchyati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar. The event was also attended by Minister of State of Railways, Shri Suresh C. Angadi apart from other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Piyush Goyal said, “Indian Railways has put trains in service of Farmers. It was the guidance and inspiration by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji that Indian Railways have started Kisan Rail.
This train will serve as a milestone in doubling Farmers’ income. Indian Railways and Farmers had been forefront in battle against COVID challenges. Food grains freight was doubled during the period. Interest of Indian Farmers is being looked after like never before. I am looking forward to see the day when apples of Kashmir reach Kanyakumari through Kisan Rail.” At present the train will run on weekly basis covering the journey of 1519 kms. in 31:45 hrs.
It may be mentioned here that, in the Union Budget 2020-21, Minister of Finance had made an announcement ‘to build a seamless national cold supply chain for perishables, inclusive of milk, meat, and fish’. It was also stated that the Indian Railways will set up a Kisan Rail to provide seamless supply chain of perishable produce. This train is another step towards realizing the goal of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022.
Indian Railways have earlier run single commodity special trains like Banana Specials etc. But this will be the first ever multi commodity trains and will carry fruits like Pomegranate, Banana, Grapes etc and vegetables like Capsicum, Cauliflower, Drumsticks, Cabbage, Onion, Chillies etc.
Bhusawal Division of Central Railway is primarily an Agro based division. Nasik and surrounding region produces huge quantity of fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, other perishables, onions and other agro products.
These perishables are mainly transported to areas around Patna, Prayagraj, Katni, Satna etc. Indian Railways aims to help double farmers’ income with the launch of Kisan Rail. This train will help in bringing perishable agricultural products like vegetables, fruits to the market in a short period of time. The train with frozen containers is expected to build a seamless national cold supply chain for perishables, inclusive of fish, meat and milk.
