Lok Sabha Question No. 514 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-01
Subject: Kisan Rail Scheme
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Jaskaur Meena

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 514

TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.12.2021

## KISAN RAIL SCHEME

## †514. SHRIMATI JASKAUR MEENA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the major features of the Kisan Rail Scheme;
- (b) the number of trains being run widely under this scheme across the country and the State-wise details thereof;
- (c)  the  details  of  target  set  under  this  scheme  along  with  the achievements made so far;
- (d)  whether  trains  are  being  run  under  this  scheme  in  Rajasthan also;
- (e) if so, the district-wise details thereof;
- (f)  if  not,  the  time  by  when the Government proposes to run these trains; and
- (g)  whether  this  scheme  has  proved  to  be  a  boon  to  the  farmers across the country during COVID-19 and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (g):  A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. ********

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (g)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 514 BY  SHRIMATI JASKAUR MEENA TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  01.12.2021  REGARDING KISAN RAIL SCHEME

(a) to (c): In compliance to the announcement made in Union Budget 2020-21, Kisan Rail trains have been introduced by Indian Railways to enable speedy movement of perishables including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fishery and dairy products from production or surplus regions to consumption or deficient regions. Kisan  Rail  enables  farmers  to  utilize  the  vast  railway  network  to gain  access  to  distant,  bigger  and  more  lucrative  markets.    It  is based  on  the  concept  of  multi  commodity,  multi  consignor,  multi consignee  and  multi  stoppages.  There  is  no  minimum  limit  on quantity that can be booked, enabling small farmers to reach bigger and distant markets. Commodities booked via Kisan Rail trains are charged at 'P'-scale of parcel tariff.

Since the launch of first Kisan Rail service on 7 th  August 2020 and upto  19 th   November  2021,  Indian  Railways  have  operated  1,586 Kisan Rail services, transporting approximately 5.2 lakh tonnes of perishables including fruits and vegetables.

(d)  to  (f)    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  based  on  demand,  rakes  are provided on priority for running of Kisan Rail services.  So far, Kisan Rail has not been operated from any location in Rajasthan.

(g):    Yes,  Sir.    During  COVID-19,  Kisan  Rail  and  other  time  tabled parcel special services played a significant role in transportation of farm  products  and  other  essential  commodities  (including  food items, medicines, medical and surgical equipment, etc.) across the country.

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