In a big move, the Indian Railways has launched a door-to-door inter-city freight and parcel service between Mumbai and Kolkata and customers can now send their freight and parcel cargo directly by rail from the warehouse to the final delivery location. Customers can also use the service if they are moving to a new city to transport their belongings safely.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who launched the new services, said, “The Railways are now moving towards a modern network that provides full logistic support, not just for heavy goods such as coal, steel, or cement.”
He also added, “The Railways, along with the Container Corporation of India, have started three new projects — an integrated logistics hub in Uttar Pradesh, a time-bound container train service between Delhi and Kolkata, and a door-to-door parcel service between Mumbai and Kolkata. Your goods will now be delivered directly to your door.”
According to the Railway Ministry, under this new service, the Railways will now pick up even the smallest parcels from homes and deliver them to their destinations. These include household items, lubricants, consumer goods, medicines, electronics, and FMCG products.
Railways’ New Service Promises Faster, Cheaper, and Safer Delivery
The Railway Minister said, “This service will help customers save up to 7.5% on costs and offer 30% faster delivery, which will greatly improve the current road transport system.”
Ashwini Vaishnaw added, “The door-to-door service will change the country’s logistics system, increase transport efficiency, and reduce overall logistics costs.” He also said that after the first Assured Transit Container Train starts on the Delhi-Kolkata route, more such trains will soon be added.
How Will the Transport Cost Be Calculated?
A railway official explained that the transport rates will depend on distance and weight. However, they will be much lower than road transport. Another big advantage is that goods will be carried in containers, keeping them safe from rain, sun, and damage.
What earlier took 100 hours will now take only 60 hours. Bookings and parcel deliveries can be done through the Railways’ e-Concor Logistics website or app.