In a major demonstration of specialised logistics capability, the Department of Posts successfully transported a priceless Thanjavur-style painting of the divine Shri Ram from Bengaluru to Ayodhya using its Logistics Post service, Ministry of Communications said on Tuesday.
The sacred artwork, created in the traditional Thanjavur art style with a gold base embedded with precious and semi-precious stones, was donated by Bengaluru-based art patron Jayashree Phaneesh to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra.
Measuring approximately 12 feet by 8 feet and weighing nearly 800 kilograms, the large-format painting was professionally packed in a specially designed wooden crate with multi-layer protective wrapping to ensure its safety during transit. The consignment was transported under continuous supervision, with postal officials escorting the vehicle throughout the journey.
The vehicle carrying the artwork departed Bengaluru on December 17, and after covering nearly 1,900 kilometres, safely reached Ayodhya on December 22, 2025. Officials said loading and unloading operations were carried out using cranes and specialised restraints to prevent any damage.
The operation involved close coordination among multiple postal circles, including Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Senior postal officers and divisional heads monitored the movement along the designated route—Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Jabalpur, Rewa, Prayagraj and Ayodhya.
Despite dense fog conditions during the final leg of the journey, the consignment was delivered safely and seamlessly. Upon arrival, the painting was formally handed over and installed at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra in the presence of its General Secretary, Champat Rai.
Ministry said the mission marked a first-of-its-kind high-value Logistics Post consignment and underscored India Post’s growing capabilities in handling specialised, high-value logistics, reaffirming its commitment to reliability, security and service excellence in support of national heritage and cultural preservation.
