Image Source: Economic Times
DTDC Express, the leading logistics and express courier company, has unveiled an ambitious plan to transition its business model towards the fast-growing e-commerce segment. Driven by surging market demand for rapid delivery and digital retail, DTDC expects e-commerce to constitute approximately 50 percent of its overall business within the next two to three years—a sharp rise from its current 16 percent share.
Key Highlights of DTDC’s E-Commerce Strategy
DTDC recently launched "Raftaar," its rapid commerce vertical offering industry-leading 4–6 hour delivery windows, initially through a network of dark stores across major urban centers.
The company is investing Rs 100 crore to establish 125 dark stores within the next three quarters, aiming to expand both geographical reach and responsiveness to customer expectations.
Raftaar caters not only to metro cities, but also focuses on customers in tier 2 and 3 towns, where online retail spending is growing fastest.
A recent whitepaper, co-authored with Boston Consulting Group, estimates rapid commerce in India could be a $20+ billion opportunity by 2030, with delivery speed now a pivotal factor in consumer conversion and loyalty.
Strategic partnerships with ONDC and upgrades to DTDC’s digital ecosystem enable seamless integration for sellers, D2C brands, and social commerce platforms, promoting smart fulfillment and efficient cash management.
Business Segmentation and Growth Trajectory
At present, DTDC’s business is dominated by domestic parcel and document delivery (63 percent), with international commerce accounting for 21 percent.
As e-commerce—including both traditional online shopping and the new rapid commerce vertical—ramps up, DTDC expects the category to consistently expand by 20 percent annually, contributing about half of company revenue by 2027.
The rapid commerce initiative leverages leaner supply chains, shared dark store models, and next-gen automation (AI, machine learning) to reduce last-mile costs by up to 30 percent.
DTDC operates with over 16,500 access points and 570 operating facilities, matching its growth ambitions with deep physical and digital coverage.
Over 55 percent of current capital spending is allocated to technology, reflecting DTDC’s vision for exponential growth and ongoing innovation (Vision 2030).
E-Commerce Logistics Innovations and Customer Experience
The company offers extensive shipping solutions—same-day, next-day, and priority delivery—covering over 14,300 pin codes and 96 percent of India’s population.
Flexible fulfillment options help sellers and online platforms reach new customers, minimize logistics costs, and streamline payment and returns processes.
Enhanced data analytics improve route optimization, predict consumer demand spikes, and automate customer notifications for real-time delivery tracking.
COD and digital payment integrations support seamless transactions across platforms for both sellers and buyers.
Leadership Insights and Future Outlook
DTDC’s CEO Abhishek Chakraborty asserts that rapid commerce is not merely about speed, but about enabling brands to scale without heavy capital outlay, giving them access to a sustainable and affordable delivery solution that meets evolving customer requirements.
Founder Subhasish Chakraborty sees the company’s 35-year legacy as a springboard for redefining how India shops and delivers, setting benchmarks for competitive efficiency in logistics.
As consumer behavior shifts further towards convenience and instant gratification, DTDC’s investments in rapid commerce, dark stores, and technology position the company for robust long-term growth.
Conclusion
With its rapid commerce vertical, expanding investment in infrastructure and technology, and a clear strategy to integrate emerging digital retail trends, DTDC Express is poised to become a pivotal logistics partner to India’s booming e-commerce market. The company’s commitment to speed, reliability, and scalable solutions provides a blueprint for the future of express delivery and sets new standards in digital commerce logistics.
Sources: Outlook Business, ITLN, Business Standard
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