The Ministry of Railways has introduced Kisan Rail trains to transport perishables (fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fishery, and dairy products) from production/surplus regions to consumption/deficient regions. This initiative came about because of the Union Budget 2020-21. Potential routes are identified in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, State Governments' Agriculture/Animal Husbandry/Fisheries Departments, and local bodies. Since the launch of Kisan Rail service on August 7th, 2020, approximately 2,364 services have transported 7.9 lakh tonnes of perishables, generating revenue of approximately Rs 318.68 crores. Data regarding specific expenditure is not maintained.
Key Entities Referenced
Kisan Rail: A train service introduced by Indian Railways to transport perishable agricultural products.
Ministry of Railways: The central ministry responsible for Indian Railways and overseeing the Kisan Rail service.
Union Budget 2020-21: The fiscal plan in which the Kisan Rail scheme was announced.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: The ministry involved in consultation for identifying potential circuits for movement of perishables.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 470
TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.12.2025
AGRICULTURAL SPECIAL TRAINS
470. SHRI ANIL YESHWANT DESAI :
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether agricultural special trains are presently running from
the places where production of agriculture items are much more
and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether such trains are useful for farmers to save their
perishable agriculture items fruits, vegetables and send to far flung
markets and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of expenditure and income out of such trains during
the last five years?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (c): In compliance to the announcement made in Union
Budget 2020-21, Kisan Rail trains have been introduced by
Indian Railways – to move perishables including fruits,
vegetables, meat, poultry, fishery and dairy products from
...2/--2-
production or surplus regions to consumption or deficient
regions.
Potential circuits for movement of vegetables, fruits and other
perishables are identified in consultation with Ministry of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Agriculture/Animal
Husbandry/Fisheries Departments of State Governments as
well as local bodies and agencies, Mandis etc., and services
at applicable tariff are planned on the basis of demands
placed taking into consideration, the operational feasibility.
Since the launch of Kisan Rail service on 7th August 2020,
Railways have operated around 2,364 Kisan Rail services,
transporting approximately 7.9 lakh tonnes of perishables and
generating revenue of Rs 318.68 crores approximately.
The separate data regarding expenditure incurred on
operating any type of train services, including Kisan Rail
trains, is not maintained.
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