The multinational logistics company DTDC Express Ltd has launched “DTDC Vallam Express”, a waterway-based last-mile delivery service that extends doorstep parcel deliveries to Keralam‘s water-bound communities.

The service draws its name and inspiration from Keralam‘s iconic Vallamkali, the traditional snake boat race known for its speed and spirit of teamwork.

Riparian people in Keralam have traditionally taken a boat ride to the nearest courier collection point to take delivery of parcels, as last-mile courier services ended where roads terminated.

The new delivery service seeks to bridge this accessibility gap by extending deliveries directly to customers’ doorsteps, making direct delivery a reality for communities where waterways are the primary mode of transport.

At the heart of Vallam Express is a unique collaboration between the company’s delivery professionals and Keralam‘s traditional oarsmen, whose deep understanding of the region’s waterways enables seamless navigation through routes inaccessible by road.

“The service is currently introduced in Kuttanad, a sub-district of Alappuzha comprising 14 villages and serving a population of approximately two lakh people. This service is intended as a long-term delivery solution rather than a seasonal initiative. As the service scales, DTDC expects this service to facilitate over 5,000 deliveries in the coming year,” according to a press communication.

Published - August 19, 2026 08:18 pm IST