DTDC Launches ‘Raftaar’ and India’s First Rapid Commerce Report

25 Aug 2025 CW Team

The report highlights that speed is now a decisive factor in online shopping, with over 60 per cent of customers willing to pay extra for same-day delivery. It also points to Tier 2 and 3 cities as the fastest-growing hubs for rapid commerce, accounting for more than 40% of online retail spending. Non-grocery categories such as electronics, fashion, and beauty are driving adoption, while shared fulfilment models are expected to reduce last-mile costs by up to 30%.

Mr Subhasish Chakraborty, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, DTDC Express Ltd., said, “For 35 years, DTDC has built trust and reach across India. Today, that foundation positions us to lead the next big leap in logistics — speed at scale. With Raftaar and our collaboration with BCG, we are setting the benchmark for how India will shop, sell and deliver in the years ahead.”

Mr Alpesh Shah, Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG, noted, “Rapid commerce fills a critical whitespace in today’s delivery ecosystem. The opportunity is emerging to develop a bespoke model for India with the potential to contribute significantly to a truly Viksit Bharat.”

Mr Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO, DTDC Express, added, “Rapid commerce isn’t just about faster deliveries; it’s a strategic shift in consumer engagement. The 4–6 hour delivery window is in the ‘Goldilocks zone’ — quick enough to drive loyalty yet sustainable enough to scale. With Raftaar, we’re evolving from Xpress to Xponential, making rapid delivery the new standard across categories, particularly in high-growth Tier 2 and 3 markets.”

The Foundation Day event at Mumbai’s Jio Convention Centre featured the launch of the White Paper The Emergence of Rapid Commerce in India and panel discussions with leaders from Baggit, Pepe Jeans, Wonderchef, Regal Shoes, BOHECO, Nasher Miles, Velocity, Plix, and others, who collectively emphasised that rapid commerce is set to redefine Indian e-commerce.

Photo Caption: Akaash Chatterjee, MD and Partner - BCG, Arpita C. Mittra, Director - Customer Experience - DTDC, Subhasish Chakraborty, CMD, DTDC Express Ltd, Alpesh Shah, Managing Director and Senior Partner, Ex-BCG India System Head, Mr. Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO of DTDC Express Ltd. and Rahul Sanghvi, Managing Director and Partner, Leads logistics for BCG India

DTDC Express, one of India’s first homegrown multinational logistics companies, celebrated its 35th Foundation Day with the launch of Raftaar — a new rapid commerce vertical offering 4–6 hour deliveries through hyperlocal dark stores. The company also unveiled India’s first White Paper on Rapid Commerce in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), outlining a $20+ Bn opportunity by 2030. The report highlights that speed is now a decisive factor in online shopping, with over 60 per cent of customers willing to pay extra for same-day delivery. It also points to Tier 2 and 3 cities as the fastest-growing hubs for rapid commerce, accounting for more than 40% of online retail spending. Non-grocery categories such as electronics, fashion, and beauty are driving adoption, while shared fulfilment models are expected to reduce last-mile costs by up to 30%. Mr Subhasish Chakraborty, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, DTDC Express Ltd., said, “For 35 years, DTDC has built trust and reach across India. Today, that foundation positions us to lead the next big leap in logistics — speed at scale. With Raftaar and our collaboration with BCG, we are setting the benchmark for how India will shop, sell and deliver in the years ahead.” Mr Alpesh Shah, Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG, noted, “Rapid commerce fills a critical whitespace in today’s delivery ecosystem. The opportunity is emerging to develop a bespoke model for India with the potential to contribute significantly to a truly Viksit Bharat.” Mr Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO, DTDC Express, added, “Rapid commerce isn’t just about faster deliveries; it’s a strategic shift in consumer engagement. The 4–6 hour delivery window is in the ‘Goldilocks zone’ — quick enough to drive loyalty yet sustainable enough to scale. With Raftaar, we’re evolving from Xpress to Xponential, making rapid delivery the new standard across categories, particularly in high-growth Tier 2 and 3 markets.” The Foundation Day event at Mumbai’s Jio Convention Centre featured the launch of the White Paper The Emergence of Rapid Commerce in India and panel discussions with leaders from Baggit, Pepe Jeans, Wonderchef, Regal Shoes, BOHECO, Nasher Miles, Velocity, Plix, and others, who collectively emphasised that rapid commerce is set to redefine Indian e-commerce. Photo Caption: Akaash Chatterjee, MD and Partner - BCG, Arpita C. Mittra, Director - Customer Experience - DTDC, Subhasish Chakraborty, CMD, DTDC Express Ltd, Alpesh Shah, Managing Director and Senior Partner, Ex-BCG India System Head, Mr. Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO of DTDC Express Ltd. and Rahul Sanghvi, Managing Director and Partner, Leads logistics for BCG India

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