Drone delivers 9.3 kg postal bag from Karjat to Matheran in record 20 minutes.

In a landmark achievement for postal logistics, the Maharashtra Postal Circle has successfully transported a 9.35 kg postal bag via drone from Karjat to Matheran, showcasing the transformative potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in enhancing mail delivery across remote and challenging terrains, official said here on Wednesday.

The drone flight, which was conducted on May 16, covered the 23 kilometres stretch between Karjat and Matheran a hilly region characterised by steep elevations reaching up to 800 metres and frequent rainfall, which often hampers conventional road transport. While traditional delivery via road takes approximately 1.5 hours, the drone completed the journey in just 20 minutes, marking a significant leap in operational efficiency, officials said.

On its return leg, the drone carried a postal bag weighing 9.168 kg from Matheran back to Karjat, completing the trip in 16 minutes despite navigating through dense cloud cover and rainfall.

“This successful round-trip demonstration highlights the drone’s robust capability to transport substantial payloads under adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain”, an official stated.

This initiative aligns with the vision articulated by Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia in the 2025 Union Budget, which underscores India Post’s evolving role as a key logistics provider driving rural economic growth. Officials have emphasised that this pioneering trial not only exemplifies technological progress but also opens new avenues for last-mile delivery solutions in regions where traditional transport is often unreliable or time-consuming.

The successful drone delivery of a heavy postal bag could pave the way for routine drone operations in similar geographies, revolutionising postal services in hilly and remote areas.

Team Maverick