Prayagraj: Farmers in the fertile Prayagraj-Kaushambi belt may soon get a faster and more economical route to markets across the country, with the North Central Railway (NCR) beginning work to develop Athsarai station in Kaushambi as a major goods shed hub.“The project is aimed at connecting the region’s agricultural produce directly with the national freight network. Athsarai railway station in Sirathu tehsil is being planned as a modern goods handling facility, with the land acquisition process already underway in the area,” NCR divisional PRO Amit Singh said.According to the official, the initiative is being taken up by the NCR’s Gati Shakti unit in coordination with the Kaushambi district administration to provide farmers and traders with an alternative to road transportation, particularly for perishable produce such as Allahabadi Surkha guava, Kaushambi’s G-9 bananas, tomatoes and green chillies.For years, farmers and commission agents have largely depended on road transport to send their produce to markets. Rising diesel prices, toll charges and multiple intermediaries often increase costs and reduce margins.Officials involved in the project said the proposed freight facility could significantly reduce logistics costs. As per the figures cited for the project, transporting one tonne of produce by road to Lucknow, around 150 km away, can cost nearly Rs 1,500. A similar freight cost by rail could potentially transport the same quantity to destinations nearly 1,500 km away, including Mumbai, Delhi or Guwahati.Road transportation can cost around Rs 7-10 per kg, while rail freight is expected to bring substantial savings, with officials estimating a reduction of 80-90% in transportation costs in suitable cases. Lower logistics expenses could enable farmers to access markets beyond Uttar Pradesh and improve returns on their produce.
