Keeping pace with the latest developments in the Courier Express & Parcel (CEP) market, Department of Posts has started a proof of concept (POC) on 21st October, 2024 for transmission of mail through drone between Chowkham Post Office (PO) and Wakro Branch Post Office (BO) located in Namsai and Lohit district, respectively of Arunachal Pradesh, when a drone from Chowkham PO airlifted at 10.40 AM and landed at Wakro BO at 11.02 AM, carrying the mail for the BO. In the return journey, drone airlifted from Wakro BO at 11.44 AM and landed at Chowkham PO at 12.08 PM. Department of Posts has entered into a tie up with SKYE AIR Mobility Private Limited for carrying out the POC. Wakro BO is located at a distance of 45 km from Chowkham PO. However, due to mountainous terrain, existing transmission time for mail between Chowkham PO to Wakro BO is around 2 hrs to 2 ½ hrs. as mail is being carried through the buses of Arunachal Pradesh State Transport services. Transmission of mail through environment friendly drones has reduced the transmission time of mail between Chowkham PO and Wakro BO to 22 mts. – 24 mts. Transmission of mail through drone will not only reduce the transmission time in conveyance of mail, but will also bring reliability in transmission of mail as well as real-time tracking of mail in difficult mountainous areas for the Department. This POC will help the Department in improving the delivery services in areas under Wakro BO. Department of Posts will expand the usage of drones for transmission of mail in other difficult and mountainous areas upon the successful conduct of POC.
