Department of Posts in India trials drone delivery to reduce delivery time in mountainous areas
Keeping pace with the latest developments in the Courier Express & Parcel market, the Department of Posts in India has started a proof of concept on 21st October, 2024 for transmission of mail through drone between Chowkham Post Office (PO) and Wakro Branch Post Office (BO) located in Namsai and Lohit district.
Department of Posts has entered into a tie up with SKYE AIR Mobility Private Limited for carrying out the POC. Wakro BO is located at a distance of 45 km from Chowkham PO. However, due to mountainous terrain, existing transmission time for mail between Chowkham PO to Wakro BO is around 2 hrs to 2 ½ hrs. as mail is being carried through the buses of Arunachal Pradesh State Transport services.
Transmission of mail through environmentally friendly drones has reduced the transmission time of mail between Chowkham PO and Wakro BO to 22 mts. – 24 mts. Transmission of mail through drone will not only reduce the transmission time in conveyance of mail, but will also bring reliability in transmission of mail as well as real-time tracking of mail in difficult mountainous areas for the Department. This POC will help the Department in improving the delivery services in areas under Wakro BO. Department of Posts will expand the usage of drones for transmission of mail in other difficult and mountainous areas upon the successful conduct of POC.
