India Post MPOP: New Parcel Network Plan | DOP F.No.39-04/2025-PD dated 17/10/2025

Overview

An official government communication from the Department of Posts about finalizing a new, modern parcel network called the Mail & Parcel Optimization Project (MPOP). The goal is to create a faster, more efficient, and future-ready logistics system to handle growing e-commerce demands.

Key Objectives of the New Network

• State-Agnostic: Hubs are connected based on logic and efficiency, not state boundaries.
• Aligned with E-commerce: Locations are chosen near major e-commerce fulfillment centers (like Amazon and Flipkart).
• Future-Ready: Based on future economic growth, telecom density (as a sign of demand), and connectivity to highways and airports.
• Limited Hubs: As directed, the number of top-level hubs (L1) is capped at 40 for better management.
• Main Changes in the New System
• Direct Pin Code Mapping: Every pin code in India will be directly linked to an L1 hub, which will sort parcels for its area. This requires fully automated, large hubs.
• Phased Implementation: This new network will be rolled out over 5 years, linked to the construction of new automated hubs under a separate project (PLIP). The current system will continue until then.

Smarter Routing:

• Bags between hubs will be created based on actual parcel volumes, not fixed rules.
• Direct bagging will be allowed for large, time-sensitive shipments (like exam materials).
• Role of Special Centers (BPCs/BNPLs): Their role will change. In the future, they will mainly act as collection points, consolidating parcels and sending them to the nearest L1 or L2 hub for sorting.
• The New Hub Structure
• 40 L1 Hubs (Top-Level): These are large, fully automated centers that act as the main sorting points for the network. Examples include Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, etc.
• 127 L2 Hubs (Secondary): These are smaller hubs that feed into and receive from the L1 hubs. Each L2 hub is mapped to a specific L1 hub.

Addressing Feedback from Regional Offices

The document includes a long list of comments and suggestions from various regional postal circles (like requesting a hub be upgraded or questioning a mapping decision). For most, the Parcel Directorate explains its decision, often citing:

• Volume: A location doesn't have enough parcel traffic to justify a larger hub status.
• Proximity & Efficiency: The proposed mapping offers the fastest and most cost-effective route.
• Network Complexity: Adding more L1 hubs would make the entire network less efficient.

Important Note on Transition

The current parcel network (with 79 L1 and 109 L2 hubs) will remain fully operational until the new, automated hubs are built and ready in about 5 years. This ensures there is no disruption to postal services during the transition.

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