DTDC Launches Waterway-Based Last-Mile Delivery Service 'Vallam Express' in Kerala

KOCHI — DTDC Express Ltd has announced the launch of "DTDC Vallam Express," a waterway-based last-mile delivery service designed for communities residing across Kerala's backwaters.

Inspired by the traditional Vallam Kali snake boat race, the initiative addresses logistical challenges in regions where waterways are the primary mode of transportation. Previously, residents in these water-bound areas relied on boat travel to reach the nearest courier collection point once road connectivity ended. The new service extends doorstep delivery directly to these households, removing the need for additional travel to collect parcels.

A core element of the initiative is the collaboration between DTDC delivery professionals and traditional Kerala oarsmen. Leveraging their knowledge of local waterways and navigation routes, the oarsmen assist delivery teams in reaching locations inaccessible by standard road transport. According to the company, this partnership integrates traditional navigation expertise with modern logistics while generating livelihood opportunities for local residents.

The service has rolled out initially in Kuttanad, an Alappuzha sub-district comprising 14 villages that serves an estimated population of two lakh people. DTDC has positioned Vallam Express as a long-term operational solution rather than a seasonal project. The company projects that the service will handle more than 5,000 deliveries over the upcoming year as operations scale.

Alongside the operational launch, coinciding with the Onam season, DTDC released a brand film titled #DTDCVallamExpress. The promotional video features Kerala's iconic snake boats to showcase the operational concept behind the delivery model.

Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO of DTDC Express Ltd, stated that the initiative reflects the company's approach to shaping logistics solutions around local operational realities and customer requirements. He noted that the region-specific model is intended to reinforce the brand's customer-focused strategy.

"Logistics companies operating in diverse geographies must adapt to local infrastructure realities to succeed in last-mile delivery. DTDC's Vallam Express demonstrates how integrating traditional local knowledge—such as partnering with traditional oarsmen in Kerala's backwaters—can solve complex navigational challenges while creating sustainable community livelihoods. This localized approach serves as a practical model for scaling operations in difficult-to-reach terrain." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes