Indian Railways has taken a major leap into the e-commerce logistics space with the launch of its first comprehensive door-to-door parcel delivery service between Mumbai and Kolkata in mid-October 2025. Flagged off virtually by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the new service integrates first-mile pickup and last-mile delivery with high-speed middle-mile rail transport, promising a 7.5 percent cost saving and nearly 30 percent faster transit compared to all-road movement. This initiative marks the railways’ shift from bulk freight to agile, small-consignment logistics under the PM Gati Shakti multimodal masterplan.
At the heart of the rollout is the newly inaugurated Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub, strategically located between Lucknow and Kanpur. Developed under the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals initiative, Sonik offers warehousing, container stuffing and de-stuffing, and customer amenities, bridging the gap between factories and railway loading points. From here, goods are loaded onto parcel-equipped vans for the 1,930 km Mumbai-Kolkata corridor, operated by dedicated parcel trains and tracked end-to-end through the CONCOR e-Logistics mobile app.
Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), the railways’ PSU logistics arm, ensures seamless last-mile delivery by partnering with local couriers for door-to-door service. Customers can now book parcels online—retail shippers and MSMEs included—choosing between door-to-door, door-to-terminal, or terminal-to-door options. Real-time tracking and digital notifications rival private sector platforms, elevating user experience and reliability.
Industry observers view this as a pragmatic response to road-dominated logistics, where more than 70 percent of domestic cargo moves by truck despite rising fuel costs and highway congestion. By offering predictable schedules and service-level guarantees, Indian Railways aims to reclaim market share, reduce carbon emissions, and lower logistics costs for small and medium enterprises. Early trials indicate strong demand from FMCG brands, automotive parts suppliers, and e-commerce companies seeking cost-effective alternatives.
Beyond Mumbai and Kolkata, the railways plans to expand door-to-door routes to other major city pairs once the Mumbai-Kolkata corridor reaches saturation. Over 115 Gati Shakti cargo terminals are already operational nationwide, paving the way for a network of integrated hubs that can support rapid scaling. The assured Transit Container Train Service between Delhi and Kolkata, launched simultaneously, guarantees delivery within 120 hours and underscores the railways’ commitment to time-bound logistics.
This service heralds a new era where Indian Railways evolves from a bulk transporter to a full-service logistics provider, aligning with the government’s vision to reduce logistics costs below 10 percent of GDP by 2047. For businesses and consumers alike, the door-to-door parcel service offers faster deliveries, transparent tracking, and significant cost savings—transforming how goods move across the country.
