The Centre has rolled out ‘Anna Chakra’ supply chain optimisation tool under Public Distribution System (PDS) in 30 states and Union Territories, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on August 19.

What is Anna Chakra?

• Anna Chakra is developed in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT-Delhi.

• The system leverages advanced algorithms to identify optimal routes and ensure seamless movement of food grains across supply chain nodes.

• An operation of this magnitude involves a complex supply chain, relying on multiple stakeholders starting from farmers to Fair Price Shops.

• Besides improved efficiency and cost savings, through the streamlined delivery routes reducing fuel consumption, time, and logistics costs, it also provides environmental benefits of lower carbon footprint due to reduced transportation-related emissions.

• The tool integrates with the Railways’ Freight Operations Information System and the PM Gati Shakti platform, marking a significant technological upgrade.

• Preliminary assessments across states project annual cost savings of Rs 250 crore with a Rs 58-crore reduction in quantity-kilometer metrics.

• Optimising India’s food distribution routes has contributed significantly to reduce CO2 emissions, aligning with the country’s climate change commitments.