TUNI

- The first Kisan Rail has been loaded from Warangal to Barasat of West Bengal

- 50% Tariff Concession granted for transporting through Railways

After successfully starting Kisan Rails from Andhra Pradesh & Maharashtra, South Central Railway has taken o­ne more major step forward by starting the first Kisan Rail from Telangana state. SCR starts its first Kisan rail from Telangana State today i.e., 8th February, 2021 to assist the farm sector in marketing their agricultural produce for better price realisation by providing cost effective transportation.

The first Kisan Rail from Telangana has been loaded with Turmeric from Warangal station in Secunderabad Division. The rail has been loaded with 230 tons of Dry Turmeric in 10 Parcel Vans (VPs) and is being transported to Barasat station of Sealdah Division in West Bengal.

The Govt. of India has started the concept of running Kisan Rails for boosting the income of the farm sector, while providing a hassle-free, safe & fast transport services for the marketing of the Agriculture sector. To further encourage the farmers, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries announced extension of 50% tariff concession o­n the transportation of notified fruits and vegetables through Kisan Rail trains, under “Operation Greens - TOP to Total”. Accordingly, SCR’s first Kisan rail from Telangana was also given 50% tariff concession for transporting turmeric under this scheme.

Warangal District is a hub for cultivation of agricultural produce, especially commercial crops. So far, this agricultural produce is being transported from Warangal to different parts of the country through Roadways which is a tedious task and prone to enroute losses. To overcome this, the freight Team of the Secunderabad Division conducted regular meetings with the farmers/trading community making them aware of the ease benefits of loading their produce by Kisan rails tariff advantages, hassle-free and fast transportation. The 50% concession being offered in the base freight for the Kisan Rail is much beneficial for the farmers as compared to other modes of transport. All these continuous marketing efforts have led to the starting of first Kisan Rail from Telangana state, with the farmers/traders showing interest for transportation of their commodities by train instead of roadways.

Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, South Central Railway has complimented entire freight team involved in materialising the operation of Kisan Rail successfully from Warangal station. He also appealed to the farmers and traders to utilise this opportunity of Kisan Rail specials by availing special concessions and facilities being offered by Railways. He assured the farmers and traders that Railways will extend full support and encouragement for hassle free transportation of their farm produce and requested to utilise Kisan Rails scheme which will immensely benefit the Agricultural sector.