With an eye on modernising its freight transportation system, the Indian Railways has launched a door-to-door parcel service between Mumbai and Kolkata and assured Transit Container Train Service between Delhi-Kolkata, alongside the inauguration of the Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub in Unnao, near Lucknow.
Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said industries can now send a specific number of containers instead of being required fill an entire rake to their destination.
“Door-to-door services are essential for the country. This will enhance rail efficiency and reduce logistics costs. Several experiments were conducted, and based on these findings, three solutions have been launched. Now, even goods like tractors will be transported by rail,” he said.
This marks a strategic shift in the Railways’ approach from being a traditional freight operator for bulk commodities to becoming a logistics service provider. The Railways aims to deliver first and last-mile connectivity across industrial and consumer sectors.
“The newly launched parcel service will be useful for any household. Until now, the railways have been a bulk transporter. To add a new dimension to this, combining road and rail, it was necessary to change the mindset in the system. The logistical gap between factories and the loading/unloading points of trains will now be bridged by Indian Railways through comprehensive door-to-door services,” said Vaishnaw after launching the three services.
Hon’ble MR Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw flagged off door-to-door parcel Service by utilising Railways Parcel Van (Mumbai to Kolkata) and Assured Transit Container Train Service (Delhi to Kolkata). #Hungry4Cargo pic.twitter.com/IKveDFsFnA
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 14, 2025
The newly inaugurated Sonik Integrated Logistics Hub is located strategically between Lucknow and Kanpur. Managed by the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), the facility will cater to the growing logistics needs of North India. It integrates warehousing, distribution, and inventory management with comprehensive door-to-door cargo solutions.
Officials said the hub will handle commodities such as fertilisers, cement, food and grains, as well as agricultural machinery. It will connect production centers with end-users.
The Assured Transit Container Train Service between Delhi and Kolkata is expected to offer guaranteed delivery within 120 hours. The bi-weekly service offers door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, and hybrid booking options. Orders can be booked and tracked using the CONCOR e-Logistics mobile app.
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The Door-to-Door Parcel Service on the Mumbai-Kolkata corridor links the Bhiwandi Road terminal near Mumbai with Sankrail near Kolkata. It spans 1,930 km. The three-tier logistics chain that connects first-mile pickup, middle-mile rail transit, and last-mile delivery. It is jointly managed by CONCOR and the Indian Railways.
Officials said that the results of the service show 7.5 per cent lower logistics costs and 30 per cent faster delivery compared to road transport.
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