Not just tiffins, they will deliver couriers, parcels too

MUMBAI: The famous 'Dabbawalas' could soon be seen dispatching couriers and parcels in addition to the current job of delivering tiffins in the city. Currently, over 5,000 people are involved in the delivery of two lakh tiffin boxes in the city.

Mumbai Dabbawala Association spokesperson Subhash Talekar said they are in an advanced stage of finalising the new project to deliver parcels within the city. “The main aim of this project is to increase the income of our members. In free time they can opt for this as we can deliver in shortest possible time as compared to companies involved in this area," Talekar told PTI. He said the deal will be finalised in 15 days as some small issues need discussion with the members.

"We have to see whether we will be doing this service (couriers and parcels) after delivery of tiffins or before that as our core business is delivery of 'dabbas'. We are also discussing the rates," he said.

He said the association is in discussion with a company for the project. "We have already implemented the plan at trial basis in some parts. We have to train our people," he said adding the association is also developing a mobile app for the purpose to trace and track the parcels.

To generate more income, he said the association has already tied up with some e-commerce companies to deliver their products and also undertake branding and advertising activities. The association hasn’t yet finalised the date to kick off the app service, but named it Papers and Parcels and the app will first be available on android. The idea was given by 12-year-old Tilak Mehta. The 'Dabbawalas' primarily use local trains and bicycles to deliver tiffins, mainly in offices.