Mahindra Logistics Limited, an integrated third-party logistics service provider, announced on Thursday the launch of services on the ONDC network. Mahindra Logistics will provide same-day and next-day intra-city pick-up and delivery services to all sellers on ONDC. The company will extend this to a full range of services, including inter-city express parcel, full truck load, and mobility services. Sellers on the ONDC network will have access to Mahindra Logistics's entire range of services, enabling intra-city and inter-city delivery in up to 19,000 pin codes, the company said in a statement.
ONDC, also known as the open network for digital commerce, is a tech-based initiative of the central government to manage the way e-commerce functions in the country by enabling e-commerce through an open protocol based on open-source specifications. It is aimed at reducing the monopolies of large e-commerce players and thereby reducing the cost to business entities and end consumers.
Commenting on this integration, Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD & Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Logistics Ltd., said, "ONDC is a path-breaking attempt to empower and democratise local commerce. Efficient logistics is a key enabler to harnessing the full potential of ONDC, and we are pleased to join the network. We share ONDC’s vision of accelerating commerce and are pleased to partner with them on a range of services. We provide customers with a range of hyper-local and inter-city transport and mobility solutions and technology integration with their end customers. Our aim to accelerate commerce by delivering innovative logistics solutions on the platform will ultimately benefit both businesses and consumers.”
T. Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC, said, “Logistics is a key element for the successful adoption of e-commerce across the country. Especially for small and medium enterprises, this will be a key enabler for enhancing their reach. With a major player like Mahindra Logistics coming onboard the ONDC Network, it will add significant logistics options across the country for diverse merchants that are part of the ONDC ecosystem''.
ONDC has created an open network for seamless logistics operations, opening up opportunities for increased business, better capacity utilization, and a stronger brand presence. This collaboration aligns with the Indian government's vision of promoting a fair and open digital commerce network.