New Delhi: Keeping pace with the latest developments in the Courier Express & Parcel (CEP) market, the Department of Posts started a proof of concept (POC) on 21st October 2024 for the transmission of mail through drones between Chowkham Post Office (PO) and Wakro Branch Post Office (BO), located in the Namsai and Lohit districts, respectively, of Arunachal Pradesh. A drone from Chowkham PO airlifted at 10:40 AM and landed at Wakro BO at 11:02 AM, carrying mail for the BO. On the return journey, the drone airlifted from Wakro BO at 11:44 AM and landed at Chowkham PO at 12:08 PM.
The Department of Posts has partnered with SKYE AIR Mobility Private Limited to carry out this POC. Wakro BO is located 45 km from Chowkham PO. However, due to the mountainous terrain, the current transmission time for mail between Chowkham PO and Wakro BO is around 2 to 2 ½ hours, as the mail is carried through buses of the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport services. The transmission of mail through environment-friendly drones has reduced the transmission time to between 22 and 24 minutes.
This new method will not only reduce transmission time but will also improve reliability and allow for real-time tracking of mail in difficult mountainous areas. The POC will help improve delivery services in areas under Wakro BO, and the Department of Posts plans to expand the usage of drones for mail transmission in other challenging and mountainous regions upon successful completion of the POC.
BI Bureau
