Delhi set to receive south India’s first ‘Kisan Rail’

• The newly introduced Kisan Rail starts from Anantapur Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh and reaches Adarsh Nagar Station, New Delhi.

• The rake is loaded with 14 parcel vans – 04 vans load meant for Nagpur and another 10 Vans load for Adarsh Nagar – totalling 332 tonnes.

• The inaugural Kisan Rail loaded with Tomato, Bananas, Sweet Orange, Papaya, Muskmelons and Mangoes.

New Delhi: South India's First "Kisan Rail" has been flagged off from Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh to Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi. Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy flagged off the inaugural run of Anantapur – New Delhi Kisan Rail. The program has been presided over by Minister of State for Railways Suresh C Angadi.

Speaking on the occasion, Tomar said that, it is the first Kisan Rail from South India connecting to National Capital for the benefit of the farmers. It was the guidance and inspiration by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Indian Railways have started Kisan Rail with a motive to encourage the villagers and farmers. "It is a great day for farmers. Kisan Rail was announced in the budget. Agriculture produce needs the best possible distribution and returns. Indian farmers have proved that they would never be deterred by any calamity or challenge. Kisan Rail will ensure that agro-products reach from one corner to another corner of the country."

While Angadi stated that the Prime Minister's vision and the pronouncement made in the budget materialized in the introduction of 'Kisan Rail' with the aim of doubling the income of farmers. As "lifeline of the nation Indian Railways is committed to the facilitation of marketing the farmer's produce". He also said that electrification of railway lines has been taken up in a big way in the state of Andhra Pradesh and its benefits will be enjoyed by the people of Andhra Pradesh.

Also read: Indian Railways registers over 10% jump in freight loading

Benefits from the first Kisan Rail of South India:

The train provides fast transport connectivity between Anantapur to New Delhi with a distance of 2,150 Km being covered in approximately 40 hours. Anantapur is fast becoming the fruit bowl of Andhra Pradesh. More than 80 percent of the 58 lakh MT of fruits and vegetables in the district is marketed out of the state, particularly to the north Indian states of Delhi, UP, Punjab and Haryana among others. Earlier this was being transported by roadways which was not only time taking but also leading to a reduction in price realisation of the farmers due to en route damages. Transportation by railway provides safe, reliable and fast transportation which will aid in better price realisation for the farmers and thereby helping in better incomes for the farmers and traders.

The Railway team at Guntakal (particularly the newly set up Business Development Unit) along with the cooperation of the District Administration and State Government Officials have played a crucial role in making the farmers/traders aware of the benefits in loading by railways, which led to inaugural rail.

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