The Government of India has rolled out the Anna Chakra tool across 30 of 31 states and Union Territories to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS) supply chain. Designed to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and reduce environmental impact, the tool is transforming food grain distribution for nearly 81 crore beneficiaries.
Background
Developed jointly by the World Food Programme (WFP), FITT-IIT Delhi, and the Department of Food & Public Distribution, Anna Chakra addresses the challenges of managing a vast network of farmers, warehouses, and Fair Price Shops (FPS).
How It Works
The tool uses advanced algorithms to map the most efficient transport routes. It integrates with:
- FOIS (Indian Railways) via ULIP for freight operations
- PM Gati Shakti platform for geo-locations of warehouses and FPS
This ensures precise planning and real-time logistics coordination.
Scale & Reach
- Covers 4.37 lakh Fair Price Shops
- Optimises supply chain across 6,700 warehouses
- Adopted in all states except Manipur
Benefits
- Cost savings of around ₹250 crore annually
- Reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions
- Faster and more reliable delivery of food grains
Future Prospects
By integrating with national platforms, Anna Chakra improves transparency and accountability in PDS operations. Its success sets the stage for applying similar technology-driven solutions in other welfare and logistics sectors.
