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When will Indian Railways start doorstep parcel service in 8 cities?
Indian Railways is planning to launch a door-to-door parcel delivery service in eight major cities, starting from December 26, 2026. This initiative aims to make parcel delivery more convenient and efficient for individuals and businesses.
By SafarSamachar Desk · 6 Nov 2026
Illustration1What is the doorstep parcel service by Indian Railways?
It is a new service that allows customers to book parcel pickups and deliveries directly at their homes without visiting railway stations. The service will be managed through the 'Ghar se Ghar Tak' app, and logistics partners will handle the first-mile and last-mile delivery.
2Which cities will be covered by this service?
The service will initially be available in eight major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune. These cities were chosen as part of the first phase of the rollout.
3When will this service start?
The service is set to officially launch on December 26, 2026. This date was announced following a successful pilot run and the completion of system tests by the South Central Railway.
4How can customers use this service?
Customers can use the 'Rail Parcel App – Ghar Se Ghar Tak' to book parcel services, make digital payments, and track their shipments. They can also schedule pickups and choose logistics partners through the app.
5What are the refund policies for this service?
Customers can get a full refund of the rail freight if they cancel their booking before the parcel is picked up, with a Rs 10 clerkage fee. Refunds for first-mile and last-mile delivery depend on the policies of the individual logistics partners.
6What kind of parcels can be sent through this service?
The service can handle a wide range of non-perishable goods, including electrical appliances, furniture, and industrial machinery. Specialized packaging and temperature-controlled protocols are being prepared for perishable items.
7How does the pricing work for this service?
The pricing will include both rail freight and local logistics charges. Parcel aggregators can book round trips at 1.5 times the one-way fare, which reduces the combined freight charge by 25 percent.
This explainer is based on our news report: Indian Railways plans doorstep parcel service in 8 cities from December 26, 2026
Sources
- The Indian Express ↗
- Swarajya ↗
- The Sentinel - of this Land, for its People ↗
- Swarajya ↗
- The Sentinel - of this Land, for its People ↗
- Hindustan Times ↗
Written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked against them. Confirm rules, fares and schedules with the official source before you travel.