- The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution recently informed Parliament about the launch of Anna Chakra, a Public Distribution System (PDS) supply chain optimization tool aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the world’s largest food security network.
- The project is being spearheaded by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT-Delhi.
How Anna Chakra Works:
- Uses advanced algorithms to plan optimal transport routes for foodgrain movement.
- Ensures seamless coordination across farmers, warehouses, transporters, and Fair Price Shops (FPSs).
- Covers nearly 4.37 lakh FPSs and around 6,700 warehouses across India.
- Interstate route optimization tool integrated with the Railways’ FOIS system via the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP).
- Geo-tagged FPSs and warehouses now mapped on the PM Gati Shakti platform.
Advantages:
- Boosts speed and reliability of foodgrain movement under PDS.
- Covers 81 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act.
- Cuts fuel consumption, time, and logistics costs.
- Reduces carbon footprint by minimizing transportation-related emissions.
- Strengthens a transparent and technology-driven food safety net.