Postal Employees Union Urges Revival of Rail-Based Logistics in India Post
NAPE Rajasthan Circle Raises Concern Over Shift from Rail Logistics to Road Transport in India Post
The National Association of Postal Employees (NAPE), Group “C”, Rajasthan Circle, has urged the Federation of National Postal Organizations (FNPO) to intervene in what it describes as a “critical policy mismatch” in the Department of Posts’ logistics
Download Rail-Based Logistics in India Post
In a letter dated 20 May 2026, Pradeep Vashishtha, Regional Secretary (Southern Region, Ajmer), addressed the issue to FNPO Secretary General Shri Sivaji Vasireddy. The communication highlights growing concerns over the department’s increasing dependence on the Road Transport Network (RTN) for mail and parcel movement, while railway-based logistics services are reportedly being phased out.
According to the letter, the move contradicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening rail-based logistics under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The association noted that the Prime Minister has consistently advocated shifting cargo and parcel transportation from highways to railways in order to reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency.
NAPE has alleged that the Department of Posts’ growing reliance on road transport is causing severe financial strain due to rising diesel prices and heavy expenditure on private and contractual fleet rentals. The association warned that this trend is contributing to increasing revenue losses within the department.
The letter also pointed to operational challenges linked with road transport, including highway congestion, toll delays, adverse weather conditions, and vehicle breakdowns. These factors, it said, are resulting in delivery delays and adversely affecting public trust, while private courier companies gain an advantage. In contrast, railways were described as offering a more dependable and time-bound logistics framework.
Another major concern raised in the representation is the gradual weakening of the Railway Mail Service (RMS) network. NAPE cautioned that bypassing railway-based mail operations could threaten RMS establishments and eventually lead to post abolitions and staff redeployment.
The association has appealed to FNPO to raise the matter at the Directorate and Ministry level, seeking restoration and strengthening of rail-based logistics in the Department of Posts. It emphasized that such a move would not only align with the Prime Minister’s sustainable logistics vision but also help protect departmental revenue and employee welfare.