Indian Railways Launches Door-to-Door Parcel Service in 8 Cities
Indian Railways launches 'Ghar se Ghar Tak' door-to-door parcel service in 8 cities to support traders and online sellers with easy logistics.
In a major move to modernize logistics, Indian Railways has officially rolled out its new door-to-door parcel service to compete with private courier companies. Branded as the "Rail Parcel App – Ghar se Ghar Tak," this initiative aims to simplify the movement of goods by integrating first-mile pickup and last-mile delivery through partnerships with private logistics providers.
A Digital Marketplace for Traders and Sellers
The new service is specifically designed to support small traders and online sellers, removing the need for them to visit railway stations for bookings or paperwork. The "Rail Parcel App – Ghar se Ghar Tak" acts as a digital marketplace where customers can manage their entire shipment process.
Once a booking is made, customers are issued a 10-digit digital reference code and a GST invoice. To ensure secure and verified delivery, the recipient is required to provide a One Time Password (OTP) upon the arrival of the goods.
Initial Launch Cities and Expansion Plans
The service is making its debut in eight major metropolitan cities:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- Ahmedabad
- Hyderabad
- Bengaluru
- Pune
Following this initial phase, the Railways plans to expand the service to include Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Lucknow.
Booking Rules and Cancellation Policy
The booking window is highly flexible, allowing users to make arrangements starting 15 days before a train's scheduled departure, up until one day prior to the travel date. To maintain operational efficiency, logistics partners must ensure that all consignments are handed over to railway staff at least one hour before the train departs.
In the event of a cancellation, if the booking is voided before the pickup occurs, the railway freight portion is fully refunded, minus a ₹10 clerkage charge. Please note that specific refund policies for the pickup and delivery components are determined by the individual logistics providers at the time of booking.
Versatile Shipping Options
The "Ghar se Ghar Tak" service is capable of transporting a wide range of items, making it useful for both commercial and personal needs. Items that can be shipped include:
- Furniture and home appliances
- Business goods and inventory
- Vehicles, including cars and bikes
Modernizing Railway Logistics
This launch follows a series of high-tech infrastructure updates. These include a new data retention policy for the Parcel Management System (PSS) implemented in February 2026 and new regulations introduced in October 2026 to streamline the approval process for leased parcel vans. Furthermore, to assist businesses during the current festive season, the Railway Board has introduced discounted round-trip bookings for parcel coaches.