‘Shetkari Samriddhi’ trains extended over high demand

Nashik: The Shetkari Samriddhi train service, a service that reserves 50% of space for goods and passengers travelling from Nashik to Danapur in Bihar, has been extended until Feb 2025 after increased demand from farmers and traders.
"The train, that carried 6 tonnes of perishable goods at its launch on Oct 15, now has bookings for more than 200 tonnes for every trip. We have proposed running it for twice a week," said divisional railway manager Ity Pandey.
According to data provided by officials from the Bhusawal Divisional Railway, the train has brought in a revenue of Rs 55.7 lakh during its 9 trips from Devlali to Danapur.
Farmers have welcomed the move. "The rail route has been an encouraging step for transporting perishable goods by train, which is fairly cheaper. Besides, it gets better market rates for the produce that arrives in good condition at the destinations," said Ramesh Jadhav, one of the farmers who sends vegetables.