The Centre is preparing to sell onions at ₹35 per kg across Delhi-NCR as retail prices continue to rise, with special “Kanda Express” freight trains expected to transport supplies from Maharashtra's Nashik to the national capital region. The move is aimed at increasing the availability of onions at a lower price and providing relief to consumers facing higher retail costs. The National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF) is expected to begin selling the subsidised onions later this week, according to sources.

The initiative will initially cover 10 NCCF retail outlets in Delhi and surrounding areas. The organisation will also make onions available at ₹35 per kg through 105 Bharat Brand retail stores operated by NCCF. The supplies are expected to reach Delhi through special Kanda Express trains carrying onions from Nashik, one of Maharashtra's major onion-producing regions. The distribution is scheduled to begin after the freight trains arrive in the capital. Moving the crop by dedicated rail services is intended to facilitate the quicker transportation of large quantities from the producing region to major consumer markets.

The government's intervention comes as onion prices have risen sharply across the country. The all-India average retail price of onion stood at ₹43.53 per kg on August 24, according to the figures provided. This represents a 59 per cent increase compared with the average price of ₹27.37 per kg recorded during the corresponding period last year. The increase has placed additional pressure on household budgets because onions are a staple ingredient in Indian cooking and are consumed widely across income groups. Price movements in onions can also have a broader impact on food inflation, particularly when supplies tighten or distribution costs increase.

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Bringing supplies directly from major producing centres is therefore intended to improve availability in areas where consumers are paying significantly more. NCCF's network of retail outlets and Bharat Brand stores will provide the initial distribution channels for the subsidised onions. Selling through established outlets could allow the government-backed cooperative to reach consumers directly while limiting the number of intermediaries between the wholesale supply and retail market.

The special rail movement from Nashik is also expected to support the government's efforts to manage regional differences in onion prices. Maharashtra is a major supplier of onions to markets across India, and Nashik is particularly important to the country's onion trade. Transporting larger consignments directly to Delhi could help replenish supplies in the National Capital Region and reduce pressure caused by elevated market prices. The ₹35-per-kg price will provide a significant discount for consumers compared with the current all-India average retail price.

However, the actual impact on market prices will depend on the volume of onions supplied, the duration of the subsidised sales and developments in arrivals from producing regions. The Centre's decision comes as policymakers continue to monitor onion prices and supply conditions. With Kanda Express trains expected to bring fresh consignments from Maharashtra, the government hopes that the additional supply and subsidised retail sales will provide consumers in Delhi-NCR with access to onions at a more affordable price in the coming days.

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