Indian Railways has awarded a contract to ROQIT, a wholly owned subsidiary of AION-Tech Solutions Limited, to design and deploy an AI-powered parcel logistics platform. AION-Tech Solutions, through its subsidiary ETO Motors, is also advancing sustainable multimodal transport solutions across India. The pilot phase of ROQIT’s system will begin with South Central Railway in early 2026 before expanding nationwide. The project aims to create a fully digital, sustainable and customer-centric ecosystem for lightweight to medium-weight parcels, modernising India’s logistics infrastructure through technology-led innovation. Indian Railways, the world’s fourth-largest rail network after the United States, China and Russia, spans roughly 68,500–68,600 km. Around 70 per cent of its revenue comes from freight and 30 per cent from passenger services. Light to medium-weight parcels of up to 150 kg currently account for less than 1 per cent of total traffic volume—far lower than developed markets, where such traffic represents 4–6 per cent. The network remains geared towards bulk freight, with only 0.5–1 per cent of capacity allocated to small and medium parcels. By comparison, Germany uses around 6 per cent of its rail capacity for such parcels, the European Union 4–6 per cent, and Japan or the United States 2–3 per cent. Mixed-use tracks often delay express logistics, while manual booking, limited transparency and unreliable last-mile delivery continue to hinder efficiency. ROQIT’s AI-driven platform seeks to close these gaps and unlock the untapped potential of small-parcel logistics through a digital, customer-focused and environmentally sustainable model. Pavan Chavali, CEO of ROQIT, said the partnership represents a transformative milestone in building India’s next-generation logistics ecosystem by combining the scale and sustainability of rail with intelligent first- and last-mile mobility. During the pilot, ROQIT will use ETO Motors’ electric fleet for seamless parcel pick-up and delivery, creating an integrated zero-emission movement of goods. The company aims to bring real-time transparency, AI-enabled intelligence and green mobility together in support of India’s Net-Zero vision. A Digital-First Model ROQIT is developing a cloud-native mobile application offering complete door-to-door parcel services, supported by partner fleet operators for first- and last-mile connectivity. The platform replaces manual, paper-based processes with predictive scheduling, instant booking, digital payments and real-time tracking. A built-in marketplace model will allow customers to choose logistics partners based on cost, delivery speed and sustainability performance. With integrated first- and last-mile operations, the solution will redefine how India uses its railways for parcel movement. Implementation and Sustainability The pilot programme is scheduled for January–February 2026 at select Indian Railways locations. A phased national roll-out will follow. The solution places EV-based fleet operators at the centre of first- and last-mile logistics, embedding sustainability across the supply chain. Leveraging the Railways’ near-100 per cent green transportation capability, the platform aims to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-based road and air logistics. A New Era of Smart Logistics The platform enhances reliability by offering real-time digital tracking, paperless transactions and true door-to-door connectivity—features absent from many traditional systems. Its open marketplace model will empower logistics partners with improved flexibility and transparency, supporting a more inclusive and sustainable logistics landscape. Through this collaboration, ROQIT and Indian Railways are laying the foundation for a smart, environmentally responsible and future-ready logistics ecosystem that integrates rail’s low-emission strengths with digital intelligence.