Indian Railways transforms parcel delivery with ROQIT’s AI platform for efficiency. Pilot launching with SCR in early 2026.
ROQIT, an AION-Tech Solutions Company, has been given a contract by Indian Railways to develop and implement an AI-powered parcel logistics platform. Through its subsidiary ETO Motors, AION-Tech Solutions is also providing sustainable multimodal transportation solutions.
Early in 2026, South Central Railway will begin the pilot phase of ROQIT’s solution with Indian Railways, setting the stage for a statewide deployment of a completely digital, sustainable, and customer-focused lightweight-to-medium-weight small parcel delivery ecosystem.
With a route length of roughly 68,500–68,600 km, Indian Railways is the fourth largest rail network in the world, behind the US, China, and Russia. Due to its extensive reach, freight contributes about 70% of its revenue, with passenger travel accounting for 30%. Lightweight to medium-weight parcels weighing up to 150 kg make up less than 1% of total traffic volume, which is significantly less than in developed markets, where this type of parcel traffic accounts for 4–6%.
With only 0.5–1% of its capacity utilised for small- to medium-sized parcel and package transit, the network is still primarily orientated on bulk freight, in contrast to Germany (6%), the European Union (4–6%), Japan, or the United States (2–3%). Additionally, human booking, a lack of transparency, and unreliable last-mile delivery continue to be problems, and the combined usage of lines for freight and passenger trains frequently results in delays in express logistics. By building a completely digital, customer-focused, and ecologically sustainable ecosystem, ROQIT’s AI-driven platform seeks to close these efficiency gaps and harness the unrealised potential of lightweight to medium-weight and small parcel logistics in India.
“Our partnership with Indian Railways marks a transformative milestone in building India’s next generation, end-to-end logistics ecosystem, one that combines the scale and sustainability of rail with intelligent first- and last-mile mobility solutions,” stated Pavan Chavali, CEO of ROQIT, in a statement. We are using our electric fleet subsidiary, ETO Motors, to power smooth parcel pick-up and delivery during the test programme, guaranteeing a fully integrated, emission-free movement of goods.
As part of the project, ROQIT is creating a cloud-native mobile application that provides full door-to-door parcel service, with partner fleet operators enabling first- and last-mile connection. The technology replaces laborious, paper-based procedures with digital payments, real-time tracking, predictive scheduling, and fast booking. Additionally, it presents a marketplace approach that lets clients select logistics partners according to sustainability, cost, and time.
The project’s pilot phase is set to start in a few Indian Railways locales in January and February of 2026. In order to increase the platform’s impact and reach, Indian Railways will start a phased national roll-out after it is implemented.
SOURCE – THE ECONOMIC TIMES
