Logistics major partners with BCG to project USD 20+ billion rapid commerce opportunity by 2030; pledges to reshape Indian delivery ecosystem with 4–6 hour fulfilment
DTDC Express, one of India’s first homegrown multinational logistics companies, celebrated its 35th Foundation Day with a bold push into the future of delivery. At an event hosted at the Jio Convention Centre, the company announced the launch of Raftaar, its rapid commerce vertical promising 4–6 hour deliveries via hyperlocal dark stores, alongside the release of India’s first-ever White Paper on Rapid Commerce, co-developed with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Rapid Commerce: A USD 20 Billion Opportunity
The White Paper, The Emergence of Rapid Commerce in India, highlights the transformational swing in Indian ecommerce, where speed is now as decisive as price and product. Key findings include:
USD 20+ billion GMV by 2030: Rapid commerce is projected to create a parallel USD 2+ billion logistics opportunity in infrastructure, fleets, and innovation.
Consumers value speed: More than 60 per cent of online shoppers are willing to pay extra for same-day delivery.
Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities lead: Smaller cities now account for 40 per cent+ of online retail spending, with faster adoption of same-day delivery than metros.
Diversification beyond groceries: Categories such as beauty, electronics, fashion, gifting, and auto parts are driving growth, with non-grocery share rising from 20 per cent to 30 per cent in just six months.
Smarter fulfilment, leaner costs: Shared dark store models reduce last-mile costs by 20–30 per cent, enabling brands of all scales to offer rapid delivery.
Leadership Speaks
Subhasish Chakraborty, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, DTDC Express, remarked,
“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.”
Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO, DTDC Express, said, “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 conversions and loyalty, yet sustainable enough to scale.”
BCG’s Alpesh Shah added, “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.”
Founded in 1990, DTDC Express is among India’s leading integrated express logistics companies, serving both domestic and international markets. With India’s largest physically accessible express logistics network and 16,000+ exclusive channel partners, DTDC delivers across categories and geographies with a strong focus on technology-enabled services.
