Bengaluru  : Revenue Minister Mr R Ashoka joined Chief Minister Shri BS Yediyurappa as CM flagged off the Kissan Rail from Chintamani to New Delhi. Hon’ble CM flagged off the Kisan Rail from Yelahanka Railway Station today. He stated that farmers will be able to get access to markets located in faraway places, and be able to realize better and higher prices for their produce. He lauded the initiative of Hon’ble Prime Minister in starting the Kisan Rail Scheme.

Kisan Rail started in August 2020, and has since been beneficial to farmers, farm produce aggregators etc. An upfront subsidy of 50% on the freight charges is provided for Kisan Rail, which helps the farmers to transport their produce to distant markets at a fraction of the cost incurred by road. Five Kisan Rail Trains have carried 1250 Tonne Mangoes from Kolar and Chikaballapur Districts to Delhi, since June 21, 2021.

Kisan Rail runs on a time tabled path, thereby ensuring assured transit time to the farmers/farm produce aggregators. Avoiding delay and detention, it ensures that the produce stays fresh upon arrival in distant markets. This particular Kisan Rail Train would reach Delhi (a distance of 2300 km) in 38-48 hours from Chintamani, Kolar.

Free vaccine drive
Meanwhile, Revenue Minister R Ashoka launched a vaccine drive for unorganized Workers at Kadirenahalli in Padmanabhanagar constituency.