DTDC launches rapid commerce vertical Raftaar
On its 35th Foundation Day, DTDC also unveiled a whitepaper on Rapid Commerce, developed in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
DTDC announced the launch of Raftaar, the rapid commerce vertical that promises superfast 4–6 hour deliveries through hyperlocal dark stores while celebrating its 35th Foundation Day on Friday (August 22).
The company also unveiled a whitepaper on Rapid Commerce, developed in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), reinforcing its vision to shape the next era of logistics and delivery in India.
The report captures the transformational swing in Indian e-commerce, where delivery speed is becoming as critical as product and price.
Key findings include:
A $20+ Bn opportunity by 2030
Rapid commerce (4–6 hour deliveries) is projected to become a $20+ Bn GMV market, unlocking a parallel $2+ Bn logistics opportunity for infrastructure, fleets, and innovation.
Speed drives loyalty
Over 60% of online shoppers are willing to pay extra for same-day delivery, making delivery speed a key factor in conversions and repeat
Beyond metros – Bharat leads the charge
Tier 2 & 3 cities now account for 40%+ of online retail spending and are growing faster than metros in adopting same-day and rapid delivery models.
From groceries to gadgets
Non-grocery categories in quick commerce have surged from 20% to 30% in just six months, with beauty, electronics, fashion, gifting, and auto parts driving demand for faster delivery.
Smarter fulfilment, leaner costs
By batching deliveries, shared dark store models reduce last-mile costs by 20-30% and enable even brands with lower order volumes to offer faster deliveries through their own channels in a cost-efficient manner.
Building for Speed
Success in rapid commerce will hinge on multi-speed fulfillment strategies and strong partnerships. Not every product needs 15-minute delivery; brands must align speed with category demand, while logistics players invest in shared, tech-enabled infrastructure to achieve scale and profitability.
Subhasish Chakraborty, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, DTDC Express, added, “For 35 years, DTDC has built trust and reach across India. Today, that foundation positions us to lead the next big leap in logistics — speed at scale. Rapid commerce will redefine customer experience, supply chain efficiency, and market competitiveness. With Raftaar and our collaboration with BCG, we are setting the benchmark for how India will shop, sell, and deliver in the years ahead.”
Alpesh Shah, Managing Director and Senior Partner, Ex-BCG India System Head & APAC Head – CEO Advisory, shared, “Rapid commerce fills a critical whitespace in today’s delivery ecosystem. The opportunity is emerging to develop a bespoke model for India with the potential to contribute significantly to a truly Viksit Bharat.”
Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO, DTDC Express, stated, “We are proud of our 35-year journey, but we aim for more than just celebration. India’s challenges require local solutions, and as the nation progresses, so do we. Rapid commerce isn’t just about faster deliveries; it’s a strategic shift in consumer engagement. The 4–6 hour delivery window is in the ‘Goldilocks zone’ — it’s quick enough to encourage conversions and build loyalty, yet sustainable enough to scale. With Raftaar, we’re evolving from Xpress to Xponential, leveraging DTDC’s reach and technology to make rapid delivery a standard across all categories, particularly in high-growth Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.”
