Karjat: In a major step towards modernization and efficiency in logistics, Maharashtra Postal Circle, successfully carried out a demonstration of bag conveyance using drone technology in Karjat recently. The initiative marks a significant milestone in efforts by India Post to adopt innovative solutions for faster and more reliable delivery in remote and challenging terrains. The drone-based bag conveyance system is aimed at improving last-mile connectivity, especially to post offices that are difficult to access through traditional transport methods.

The path between Karjat to Matheran was chosen to fly the drone to and fro for demonstration purposes as it is hilly as well as rainy terrain, with altitude as high as 800 meters, making it ideal for testing the drones. The distance between Karjat to Matheran is 23 kms and it typically takes 1.5 hours to travel between the two locations depending on the prevailing conditions. The drone took off from Karjat carrying a postal bag weighing 9.35 Kgs and reached Karjat in 20 minutes. ⁠While flying back from Matheran , the drone took off with a postal bag weighing 9.168 kgs, and successfully landed in Karjat in just 16 minutes, encountering rainfall and dense cloud cover on its way back. Despite challenging weather conditions, it successfully navigated its course and reached the designated landing point.

This development is part of a broader vision of Honorable Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia ji to make India Post as a catalyst for rural economy and large public logistics organization as mentioned in budget 2025.