Jyotiraditya M. Scindia announces Launch of Drone-Based Mail Transmission Service by Department of Posts in Himachal Pradesh

Under the leadership of Union Minister of Communications and DoNER Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Department of Posts has launched drone-based transmission of mail and parcels between Mandi Head Post Office and Rehardhar Branch Post Office in Himachal Pradesh, effective from 12^th June 2026. The initiative builds upon feedback received during Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia’s interactions with Gramin Dak Sevaks and Postal Assistants, where the need for faster and more efficient connectivity in remote and difficult terrains was highlighted.

Guided by the Union Minister’s vision of leveraging technology to strengthen postal services, the Department of Posts has planned deployment of drone-based mail transmission across around 150 identified routes in Himachal Pradesh and Assam over the next two to three months, with the Mandi-Rehardhar route being the first to operationalise the initiative.

Rehardhar Branch Post Office, located about 12 kilometers from Mandi Head Post Office, currently takes over two hours to connect through conventional arrangements. With drone-based transmission, the transit time has been reduced to just about seven minutes.

The service overcomes terrain-related challenges while enabling real-time tracking and providing an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation. 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.