Azadpur Mandi launches online payment for gate pass

The Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee at Azadpur Mandi, one of Asia’s largest wholesale markets for fruits and vegetables and a Market of National Importance under the Government of NCT of Delhi, launched online payment for gate pass charges on Friday, July 10, replacing the predominantly cash-based system that has been in use at the market’s entry gates, with plans to extend the facility to all mandis in Delhi shortly.

The launch was carried out under the guidance of Arjun Sharma, Vice Chairman of the Delhi Agricultural Marketing Board, and was executed by the Secretary of the Delhi Agricultural Marketing Board and the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee, Azadpur.

Until now, traders, vehicle drivers, and all stakeholders entering Azadpur Mandi were required to pay gate pass charges primarily in cash. Under the new system, payment can be made through digital modes, allowing traders, vehicle owners, and all associated parties to complete the gate pass fee transaction online.

The APMC administration said the initiative is designed to make the payment process simpler, more transparent, and more convenient for all vehicles entering Azadpur Mandi.

The benefits of moving away from cash transactions at the gate are multiple. The administration said cash handling at entry points will reduce significantly, leading to smoother vehicular movement and the likelihood of a notable reduction in congestion at entry points, which has historically been a recurring problem during peak arrival hours at the mandi. The payment process will also become faster, more secure, and more transparent, benefiting traders, farmers, vehicle drivers, and all other related parties who work at or bring produce to the market.

The administration said Arjun Sharma has directed that the facility be made available at all mandis in Delhi soon, meaning Azadpur is the first among Delhi’s mandis to implement online gate pass payment, with a city-wide rollout planned.

Azadpur Mandi in north Delhi is the largest wholesale market for fruits and vegetables in Asia by trading volume and serves as the primary distribution point for agricultural produce entering Delhi from across India. Hundreds of vehicles carrying produce from different states arrive at the market every day.