Farmers elated as CR exports 1.262L tn onions to Bangladesh in 55 freight trains

Central Railway exported over one lakh tonnes of onions in 55 freight trains to Bangladesh during the month of May, June & upto 10th July 2020. This is an achievement for Railways as it has fulfilled the aspirations of the farmers and satiated the essential need of Bangladesh. This export of onions from India’s onion hub, Nashik – Manmad - Kopergaon area has brought cheers to the farmers of this region of Maharashtra. Furthermore, it is also a win-win situation for farmers, loaders, railways and for Bangladesh.

The export of onions was initiated by railways as per the request received from the Ministr y of External Affairs for movement of essential items like onions etc. to Bangladesh. The 55 rakes loaded with 1.262 lakh tonnes of onions were transported from Nashik, Kherwadi, Niphad, Lasalgaon and Manmad stations of Bhusaval Division and from Kopergaon, Yeole stations of Solapur Division of Central Railway to Darshana, Rohanpur, Birole and Benapole in Bangladesh. Central Railway conducted regular video conference meetings with the loaders yielding this result of exporting onions to Bangladesh. All possible assistance is being provided to the loaders by coordinating with District Administration. During loading, social distancing measures and sanitizing practices as mandated by Central and State govts are being observed. Prakash Bikaji Sonawane, a farmer from Chandwad, Nashik, cultivating onions was elated and happy that the export and the freight loading of the onions to Bangladesh enabled him to earn good money and thanked Railways for availability of wagons for loading.

To give impetus to freight traffic, Central Railway has organized a virtual meeting with major freight customers. Similar meetings at all divisional levels are also being conducted on Central Railway.