Indian Railways launches RailParcel pilot to digitalise freight logistics

Indian Railways has launched RailParcel, a pilot initiative designed to streamline parcel movement through advanced digital integration. Led by the south central railway (SCR) zone, the program is currently being tested across seven major cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

The initiative, designated ROQIT, is a specialised platform engineered by AION-Tech Solutions. ROQIT functions as the foundational digital infrastructure, governing intricate workflows and ensuring cohesive coordination among diverse operational stakeholders.

By achieving direct integration with extant railway infrastructure, including the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), the platform endeavors to supersede legacy impediments with a unified, transparent operational system.

"RailParcel represents an important step toward structured, digitally enabled parcel operations within the rail ecosystem," said Bhanutej Mallangi, Chief Product Officer of ROQIT. "Through ROQIT, AION-Tech Solutions is establishing a foundational technology layer that enhances operational visibility and standardises workflows across touchpoints."

The current proof of concept (PoC) centers on four essential pillars for digital transformation: real-time tracking, which aims to provide complete visibility of parcels throughout all operational touchpoints.

Workflow digitisation, focused on transitioning paper-heavy booking and logistics management processes to efficient digital formats; 3PL readiness, ensuring the system can seamlessly integrate with third-party logistics service providers; and finally, system interoperability, dedicated to maintaining compatibility with existing Indian Railways systems to guarantee a smooth and non-disruptive transition.

By leveraging the Railways' electrified network, RailParcel offers a cost-effective and greener alternative to road-based freight.

As the pilot progresses, the data generated will be used to refine network optimisation and support data-driven decision-making.

If successful, Indian Railways plans to scale the model, potentially transforming how goods are moved across the national rail network and enhancing coordination across various transport modes.