New Delhi, August 12, 2026 | ANN: Six years after the launch of Kisan Rail services, the government is yet to introduce refrigerated parcel vans that are intended to facilitate the transportation of highly perishable agricultural commodities produced by farmers.

Since the launch of Kisan Rail services in August 2020, the Railways has introduced a total of 2,364 Kisan Rail services across various states. However, refrigerated parcel vans, which can help maintain the required temperature during transportation of perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables, dairy and horticultural produce, are still under production.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said today that provision had been made for the introduction of refrigerated parcel vans.

“To facilitate movement of highly perishable commodities, provision has been made for introduction of refrigerated parcel vans. 20 such refrigerated parcel vans are under production, and based on demand and future requirements more vans shall be added to railway rolling-stock,” the minister said.

Vaishnaw was responding to a question raised by Congress MP Rahul Kaswan, who sought details on whether the government had conducted an assessment of the existing system of rail transportation, cold chain and agricultural logistics for agriculture, dairy, horticulture and other perishable products.

Kaswan also sought information on the progress of schemes related to Kisan Rail and agricultural logistics and their impact on farmers’ participation and transportation costs.

In his response, the minister said several steps had been taken to promote the transportation of agricultural produce, particularly foodgrain, in containers. To facilitate the transportation of foodgrain, flour and pulses in containers, the Railways has recently adopted a per-kilometre-based pricing system, replacing the earlier commodity-class and distance-slab-based freight system.

The minister also highlighted the role of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) in improving rail freight movement and strengthening the competitiveness of local agricultural industries and farmers.

According to the government, 142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have so far been commissioned, with an estimated freight-handling capacity of 224 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). In addition, in-principle approvals have been granted for the development of GCTs at 310 more locations.

While the expansion of Kisan Rail services and cargo terminals is aimed at strengthening agricultural logistics, the proposed refrigerated parcel vans remain a key missing link for the rail transportation of highly perishable produce.
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