Kanda Express Brings Onions to Agartala
New Delhi, October 16, 2026: The Department of Consumer Affairs is expanding the distribution of buffer onions under the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) ahead of the festive season, with the first-ever Kanda Express movement to Agartala, Tripura. The consignment, carrying about 440 MT of onions, is expected to reach Agartala by October 18, 2026.
The dispatch builds on the earlier movement of buffer onions to Assam through Kanda Express. It reflects the Government’s push to widen supply outreach, improve last-mile availability and ensure timely access to affordable onions in consumption centres across the country.
Wider Coverage Across Tripura
The new consignment is expected to improve market coverage in seven of Tripura’s eight districts: Dhalai, South Tripura, Khowai, Unakoti, West Tripura, Gomati and Sepahijala.
So far, two Kanda Express rail rakes carrying 840 MT and 452 MT of onions, along with 44 truck consignments totalling 1,513.46 MT, have supplied buffer onions across the North-East. Distribution has reached key locations in Assam, Tripura and Nagaland, including Kamrup, Guwahati, Gomati, Dimapur, Sepahijala, Kohima, Niuland and Chumoukedima. The rail and road network aims to extend the reach of buffer stocks and supplement market supplies in the region.
Mandi Prices Ease as Kharif Arrivals Pick Up
With fresh Kharif arrivals gathering pace, onion mandi prices have moderated across major markets. The All-India average mandi price fell from a peak of around ₹3,600 per quintal in September to about ₹3,300 per quintal in October.
Calibrated releases from the buffer continue to supplement market supplies, improve availability and help moderate retail prices. The Department will continue these interventions in response to market conditions to support consumer access to affordable onions.
Retail Prices Decline in 211 Cities
Over the past two weeks, 211 cities have reported a drop of ₹1 to ₹13 per kg in retail onion prices. The moderation has been seen across major consuming States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
In Assam, about 12 centres have recorded declines of ₹1 to ₹8 per kg in recent weeks.
Regional Price Gap Narrows
The gap between Assam’s average retail onion price and the All-India average has narrowed sharply over the past two years.
| Assam average | All-India average | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two years ago | ₹61.96/kg | ₹54.13/kg | ₹7.83/kg |
| Currently | ₹54.30/kg | ₹53.07/kg | ₹1.23/kg |
This shows that retail onion prices in Assam are now broadly in line with the national average.
Buffer Releases to Continue
The Government is closely monitoring onion prices, market arrivals and supply conditions nationwide. Disposal of onions from the PSF buffer stock is guided by market conditions, price trends and availability needs. Further releases will be made as required, in line with approved operational decisions, to ensure adequate availability and help curb undue price volatility.
