Indian Railways Launches Door-to-Door Freight and Parcel Services to Enhance Logistics Efficiency

New Delhi, 15th October 2025: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub and flagged off two new door-to-door freight and parcel services, marking a major step toward expanding multimodal logistics connectivity across the country.

Vaishnaw said that door-to-door logistics services are crucial for enhancing efficiency and reducing logistics costs nationwide. He added that industries will now be able to transport specific container loads without requiring a full rake, bridging the gap between factories and railway loading points.

The newly inaugurated Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub, located between Lucknow and Kanpur, has become the first integrated facility offering door-to-door logistics under the Indian Railways network. The hub will handle a range of commodities, including fertilizer, food-grains, cement, and tractors. It is equipped with infrastructure for warehousing, stuffing and de-stuffing of containers, and amenities for customers and laborers.

Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) will manage terminal operations and ensure first and last mile connectivity. The hub aims to serve the growing logistics needs of both Lucknow and Kanpur regions, providing distribution and inventory management services.

Under the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals initiative, 115 terminals have been developed to offer multimodal logistics services. Following the Mumbai–Kolkata corridor, more door-to-door services will be launched to expand connectivity and streamline the movement of goods.

Indian Railways has also introduced an Assured Transit Container Train Service between Delhi and Kolkata. The bi-weekly service offers a guaranteed transit time of 120 hours with loading and unloading operations at Tughlakabad (Delhi), Agra, Kanpur, and Kolkata terminals. Customers can choose from various booking models, including door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal services, through the CONCOR e-Logistics mobile app.

Additionally, a Door-to-Door Parcel Service has been launched between Mumbai (Bhiwandi Road) and Kolkata (Sankrail), providing an integrated three-stage logistics process covering first mile, middle mile (via rail parcel train), and last mile delivery. Major clients include Castrol India, VIP Industries, Godrej & Boyce, and Nestle.

The rail parcel service on this route offers a 7.5% reduction in logistics costs and about 30% faster transit compared to traditional road transport. The service is supported by 5400 CFT cargo storage facilities at both Mumbai and Kolkata hubs.

Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar said the initiative represents a major shift in India’s freight movement, positioning Indian Railways as a complete logistics service provider rather than just a transporter of goods.