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India Post has launched a drone-based mail and parcel delivery service in Himachal Pradesh, marking a significant step in the use of unmanned aerial systems to improve postal connectivity in remote and mountainous regions.
The service became operational on the Mandi Head Post Office, Rehardhar Branch Post Office route on June 12. The 12-km stretch, which typically takes more than two hours to cover by conventional transport due to challenging terrain, can now be completed in about seven minutes using drones. The initiative is the first of a broader rollout planned by the Department of Posts, which has identified nearly 150 routes across Himachal Pradesh and Assam for drone-based mail transmission over the next few months.
According to the Ministry of Communications, the project is aimed at improving last-mile connectivity in difficult geographies where road access can be slow and weather-dependent. The deployment is expected to support faster movement of mail and parcels while improving service reliability in remote communities. The drone network will also provide real-time tracking capabilities and help address logistical challenges associated with transporting mail through hilly terrain. The Mandi–Rehardhar corridor has been selected as the first operational route under the programme.
The launch reflects a growing trend of integrating drone technology into logistics and public service delivery, particularly in regions where traditional transportation networks face operational constraints. If successful, the expansion could provide a scalable model for strengthening postal services in geographically challenging parts of the country.
Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
India Post has launched a drone-based mail and parcel delivery service in Himachal Pradesh, marking a significant step in the use of unmanned aerial systems to improve postal connectivity in remote and mountainous regions. The service became operational on the Mandi Head Post Office, Rehardhar Branch Post Office route on June 12. The 12-km stretch, which typically takes more than two hours to cover by conventional transport due to challenging terrain, can now be completed in about seven minutes using drones. The initiative is the first of a broader rollout planned by the Department of Posts, which has identified nearly 150 routes across Himachal Pradesh and Assam for drone-based mail transmission over the next few months. According to the Ministry of Communications, the project is aimed at improving last-mile connectivity in difficult geographies where road access can be slow and weather-dependent. The deployment is expected to support faster movement of mail and parcels while improving service reliability in remote communities. The drone network will also provide real-time tracking capabilities and help address logistical challenges associated with transporting mail through hilly terrain. The Mandi–Rehardhar corridor has been selected as the first operational route under the programme. The launch reflects a growing trend of integrating drone technology into logistics and public service delivery, particularly in regions where traditional transportation networks face operational constraints. If successful, the expansion could provide a scalable model for strengthening postal services in geographically challenging parts of the country. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
DHL Supply Chain today announced a major expansion of its data centre logistics capabilities across Asia Pacific, reinforcing its role as a trusted logistics partner for hyperscalers and data centre operators as AI-driven infrastructure investment accelerates and large-scale projects move from planning into execution. The expansion includes more than 30,000 square meters of dedicated warehouse space already operational across the region, alongside an additional 130,000 square meters of committed expansion and build-to-suit facilities in Malaysia and Thailand that are expected to become operational over the next two years. Once complete, DHL will support more than 160,000 square meters of specialized data centre logistics infrastructure across strategic Asia Pacific markets. The investment comes as Asia Pacific emerges as one of the world's fastest-growing data centre regions, fueled by unprecedented demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital connectivity. As operators race to bring new capacity online, they face mounting challenges, including compressed deployment timelines, increasingly complex international supply chains, and the secure handling of high-value technology assets in active construction environments. DHL's latest expansion builds on the company's global data centre logistics strategy, following its March 2026 commitment to add 10 dedicated data centre warehouses across North America to support growing hyperscaler demand. With the global data centre logistics market projected to grow from USD 23 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 35 billion by 2030, organizations are seeking logistics partners capable of delivering the speed, security, precision, and specialized expertise required throughout the entire data centre lifecycle. "Asia Pacific is rapidly becoming the world's next major data centre hub, with an estimated USD 800 billion (approximately EUR 730 billion) expected to be invested in data centre infrastructure across the region by 2030," said Javier Bilbao, CEO, Asia Pacific, DHL Supply Chain. At the core of the expansion is a combination of high-security, purpose-built warehousing and specialized service logistics solutions designed to support complex, multi-phase deployment programs. DHL is also investing significantly in workforce development, equipping teams with advanced white glove handling expertise and technical capabilities that allow critical preparation and integration activities to be completed in controlled logistics environments rather than on active construction sites. These white glove services ensure that servers, networking equipment, and mission-critical infrastructure are transported and installed under tightly controlled conditions, minimizing the risk of damage, delays, and operational disruption. Services span the entire deployment journey, including site surveys, route assessments, floor protection, cage management, equipment verification, rack installation, component validation, post-installation cleaning, and project completion reporting. To further address the complexities of data centre deployments, DHL is expanding its specialized technical services portfolio. Dedicated teams provide server rack frame assembly, component mounting, intra-rack cabling, functional testing, and secure packaging solutions that protect sensitive equipment throughout transit and installation. By shifting these activities to purpose-built logistics hubs, customers can reduce on-site congestion, lower installation risks, and maintain critical construction schedules even as deployment scale and infrastructure density continue to increase. The Asia Pacific expansion forms part of DHL Group's broader global strategy to strengthen its data centre logistics capabilities in response to growing digital infrastructure demand worldwide. "Data centre logistics represents a significant strategic growth opportunity for DHL as global investment in AI and digital infrastructure continues to accelerate," said Amanda Rasmussen, Chief Commercial Officer, DHL Global Forwarding and Head of the Data Centre Logistics Taskforce at DHL Group. Together, these investments underscore DHL's commitment to supporting the next generation of digital infrastructure. By expanding its specialised capabilities across key global markets, the company is strengthening its ability to deliver seamless, end-to-end logistics solutions that enable customers to build, scale, and operate data centres with greater speed, reliability, and confidence. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Maharashtra government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹4,080 crore across the electronics manufacturing and logistics sectors. The agreements are expected to create substantial employment opportunities while supporting the state’s vision of becoming a leading destination for advanced manufacturing and supply chain investments. The agreements, signed with electronics manufacturing major Jabil and Dubai-based RSA Global are expected to generate around 4,750 direct and indirect jobs in the state, and were formalised in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who highlighted Maharashtra’s strategic advantages in industrial development, logistics connectivity, and electronics production. The investments are expected to contribute to the expansion of manufacturing capabilities, development of modern logistics infrastructure, and strengthening of integrated supply chains across the state. Addressing industry stakeholders, Fadnavis emphasised that Maharashtra possesses significant potential to emerge as a major hub for electronics manufacturing, supported by its robust industrial base, skilled workforce, and extensive infrastructure network. He also underscored the growing importance of modern logistics systems in improving operational efficiency and attracting global investments. The latest agreements align with Maharashtra’s broader strategy of attracting investments into high-growth sectors, including manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, data centres, and technology-driven industries. The state has consistently positioned itself as one of India’s most attractive investment destinations through policy support, infrastructure development, and ease-of-doing-business initiatives. Industry experts believe the fresh investments will further strengthen Maharashtra’s role in India’s evolving supply chain landscape. The electronics sector, in particular, is witnessing increased momentum as companies diversify manufacturing operations and seek resilient supply networks. Simultaneously, investments in logistics infrastructure are expected to enhance cargo movement, warehousing capabilities, and last-mile connectivity, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently. The MoUs also reflect the growing convergence between manufacturing and logistics, where integrated infrastructure plays a crucial role in reducing costs, improving delivery timelines, and supporting export-oriented growth. With rising demand for technologically advanced supply chain solutions, Maharashtra is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging opportunities in both domestic and international markets. As India accelerates its push toward becoming a global manufacturing hub, this investment commitment marks another step in Maharashtra’s efforts to strengthen industrial ecosystems, attract private capital, and build future-ready logistics networks capable of supporting long-term economic growth. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
