India Post launches drone delivery of mails and parcels in Himachal Pradesh, to be extended to 150 routes in the state and Assam soon

In a significant step towards modernising postal services in challenging terrains, Union Minister of Communications and DoNER Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced the launch of a drone-based mail and parcel transmission service by the Department of Posts in Himachal Pradesh.

The service, which became operational on 12 June 2026 between Mandi Head Post Office and Rehardhar Branch Post Office, marks a notable advancement in leveraging technology to enhance connectivity in remote and mountainous regions. Officials and staff of the Department of Posts were present at the launch along with the deployed drone.

The initiative stems from direct feedback gathered by the Minister during his interactions with Gramin Dak Sevaks and Postal Assistants, who highlighted the need for faster and more reliable postal connectivity in difficult terrains. Rehardhar Branch Post Office, situated about 12 kilometres from Mandi Head Post Office, previously required over two hours for mail transmission through conventional means.

With the introduction of drones, this transit time has been dramatically reduced to approximately seven minutes. The new service not only addresses terrain-related challenges but also incorporates real-time tracking and offers an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional transportation methods.

The service is being operated in collaboration with Skye Air Mobility, a Gurugram-based drone delivery company. The drones used for mail transportation are capable of carrying up to 10 kilograms, and they can cover distances of 30 to 50 kilometres.

Under the Minister’s vision of integrating advanced technology into postal operations, the Department of Posts plans to expand drone-based mail transmission across approximately 150 identified routes in Himachal Pradesh and Assam over the next two to three months. The Mandi-Rehardhar route is the first to be operationalised under this ambitious rollout.

The initiative is expected to enhance service delivery, strengthen connectivity in remote and mountainous regions, and improve access to essential postal services for local communities, thereby fostering greater social and economic inclusion. By fostering greater social and economic inclusion, the drone initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen India’s postal network and support rural development.

The Minister shared his enthusiasm on social media, stating, “Drone se Daak, ab gaon tak,” underscoring the transformative potential of this technology in reaching the last mile. While earlier pilot projects for drone mail delivery have been tested in various parts of the country, this launch represents a concrete step towards regular operational use in Himachal Pradesh.⁠X

This forward-looking move by the Department of Posts is poised to set a benchmark for innovative postal solutions across India’s diverse geographies.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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