India Post Begins Major Transition: Rail to Road
A significant change is underway in India’s postal network as India Post plans to discontinue the Railway Mail Service (RMS) at Thiruvananthapuram railway station. The decision marks a gradual shift from transporting letters and documents by train to using dedicated road networks and mail vans.
The move comes after internal assessments showed that the number of mailbags being sent by trains has steadily reduced in recent years. Not only has the cost increased due to rising railway rent, but the logistics efficiency has also been limited, prompting India Post to rethink its mail movement strategy.
The Railway Mail Service (RMS) at Thiruvananthapuram railway station will soon be discontinued as India Post is going to focus more on moving mail and documents by road instead of sending them by trains.
Why the RMS at Thiruvananthapuram May Be Shut
High Rent and Reduced Train Utilization
Officials revealed that one of the reasons behind the proposal is the high rent charged by the Railways for operating the RMS facility at the station. This amount, combined with the decreasing volume of train-bound mail, made the arrangement less practical.
Currently, only the Malabar Express carries mailbags, and even this is limited. Mail transport through the Mangalore Express has already been discontinued, signaling a substantial reduction in mail-based rail operations.
Shifting the RMS to Regular Post Offices
Sources say discussions are ongoing to move RMS operations out of the railway station and attach them to regular post offices. This relocation would allow the Railways to reclaim the space for its redevelopment plans, while India Post transitions to road-centric logistics.
India Post’s Road Network Strategy
New Mail Vans, Faster Ground Routes
India Post has decided to strengthen its road mail network, introducing dedicated mail vans and enhanced trunk routes. This is expected to:
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Reduce dependency on unpredictable train schedules
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Offer more flexibility in mail dispatch
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Improve end-to-end delivery time
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Support 24/7 logistics movement
This strategic shift is part of a national plan to modernize postal transport.
Govt Push for Road Infrastructure Upgrade
At a high-level review meeting last month, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia directed that road transport infrastructure along major routes be upgraded by March 2026. This government-backed emphasis on road logistics has further encouraged India Post to realign its operations.
The move comes after India Post decided to improve its road network, introduce mail vans and gradually withdraw from using trains.At a review meeting last month, Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia directed that road transport infrastructure along trunk routes be upgraded by March 2026.
How RMS Currently Functions at Thiruvananthapuram
For decades, the RMS office at Thiruvananthapuram railway station has played a crucial role in sorting and dispatching mail. Currently:
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Mail booked at post offices in and around the city until 5 PM is brought to RMS
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The mail is sorted on-site
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It is then put on trains to major sorting hubs
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From there, it travels onward to respective post offices for delivery
With the new model, this workflow is expected to move entirely to road-based dispatch points.
What This Change Means for the Public
Faster Deliveries Likely, But Adjustments Expected
While the transition may require temporary logistical adjustments, India Post expects that road-based delivery will:
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Improve speed post efficiency
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Reduce delays caused by train schedules
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Provide a more stable and controlled transport system
Residents may see earlier dispatch times and better predictability once the new road network is fully operational.
A New Chapter for India Post
The closure of the RMS unit at Thiruvananthapuram railway station marks the end of a long relationship between India Post and railway-bound logistics. However, it also signals the beginning of a modern, flexible, and faster delivery ecosystem.
As India Post prepares for a complete logistical transformation, one thing remains unchanged: its commitment to ensuring every letter and parcel reaches its destination with reliability and care.
