India’s digital commerce ecosystem is expanding rapidly, and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is emerging as a major infrastructure layer for online retail. India’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $200 billion by 2026, with millions of new consumers entering online shopping every year.

ONDC was launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to make digital commerce more open and accessible. Instead of operating as a single marketplace, ONDC connects multiple buyer apps, seller platforms, payment systems, and logistics providers through an interoperable network.

Some important ONDC statistics:

• ONDC is active in 1200+ cities across India.
• The network supports thousands of merchants and brands across categories like retail, food, mobility, and logistics.
• Multiple buyer apps allow customers to discover ONDC sellers.
• Orders placed through ONDC are fulfilled by integrated logistics partners and tracked digitally across the network.

Because ONDC connects multiple platforms, order tracking works slightly differently compared to traditional marketplaces like Amazon or Flipkart. However, the network provides real-time order status updates, shipment tracking, and delivery notifications to customers.

How Order Tracking Works on ONDC

ONDC uses a network-based architecture, where the buyer app, seller platform, logistics provider, and payment system communicate through standardized protocols.

When a customer places an order:

1. The order is placed through a buyer app.
2. The order is transmitted to the seller platform through the ONDC network.
3. The seller processes the order and hands it to a logistics provider.
4. Shipment status is updated and shared across the network.
5. The buyer app displays the tracking updates to the customer.

This ensures customers can monitor their orders even though multiple platforms are involved in the transaction.

Steps for Customers to Track ONDC Orders

1. Check Order Status in the Buyer App

Customers usually place orders through ONDC-enabled buyer applications.

Once an order is placed, customers can track it directly within the buyer app under sections such as:

• My Orders
• Order History
• Track Order

The buyer app retrieves order updates from the ONDC network and displays the current order status.

Typical order stages include:

• Order confirmed
• Seller processing order
• Order packed
• Shipped or out for delivery
• Delivered

2. Receive Real-Time Notifications

Most ONDC buyer apps provide real-time notifications to customers.

Customers may receive updates through:

• App notifications
• SMS alerts
• Email notifications

These notifications inform the customer when the order is:

• Accepted by the seller
• Packed and shipped
• Picked up by the logistics partner
• Out for delivery

This helps customers stay informed without manually checking the order status.

3. Use Shipment Tracking Links

Once the order is shipped, customers may receive a tracking link from the logistics partner.

This link allows customers to:

• View shipment location
• Check estimated delivery time
• Monitor delivery progress

Many logistics partners provide live shipment tracking similar to courier tracking systems.

4. Track Delivery Through Logistics Partners

Orders placed through ONDC are fulfilled by integrated logistics providers.

When the logistics partner picks up the order, tracking updates may include:

• Pickup confirmation
• Transit updates
• Delivery hub arrival
• Out-for-delivery notification

Customers can track these updates directly within the buyer app or through logistics tracking pages.

5. Contact Customer Support if Needed

If tracking information is unclear or delayed, customers can contact support through:

• Buyer app customer support
• Seller support channels
• Logistics provider helpdesk

ONDC’s interoperable system ensures that support teams from buyer apps and seller platforms can access order data and resolve issues quickly.

Typical Order Status Flow in ONDC

Customers may see several status updates while tracking their order.

Common order stages include:

1. Order Placed
2. Order Accepted by Seller
3. Order Packed
4. Order Picked Up by Logistics
5. In Transit
6. Out for Delivery
7. Delivered

These updates help customers understand exactly where their order is in the delivery process.

Benefits of ONDC Order Tracking for Customers

1. Transparency

Customers can track their orders across different platforms through a single buyer app interface.

2. Real-Time Updates

Order updates are shared across the network, enabling near real-time tracking of shipments.

3. Interoperability

Because ONDC connects multiple systems, customers can track orders even when different seller platforms and logistics providers are involved.

4. Better Customer Experience

Clear tracking updates improve customer confidence and reduce uncertainty about delivery status.

How Costbo Supports Order Tracking on ONDC

Seller platforms play an important role in ensuring accurate order updates across the ONDC network.

Costbo, best ONDC seller platform, helps merchants manage orders, inventory, and delivery updates efficiently.

Through platforms like Costbo, sellers can:

• Update order status in real time
• Integrate logistics tracking systems
• Ensure accurate delivery updates
• Provide better visibility to customers across buyer apps

This ensures that customers receive reliable tracking updates for their ONDC orders.

Conclusion

Order tracking is an important part of the online shopping experience, and the ONDC network ensures that customers can monitor their purchases easily.

Although ONDC operates as a decentralized commerce network, customers can still track orders through buyer apps, shipment links, and logistics updates. The network architecture allows multiple systems—including buyer apps, seller platforms, and logistics providers—to share order information seamlessly.

As ONDC adoption continues to grow across India, improved interoperability and standardized tracking systems will further enhance transparency, reliability, and customer experience in digital commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do customers track orders on ONDC?

Customers can track orders through the buyer app where the order was placed, usually in the “My Orders” or “Track Order” section.

2. Do customers receive shipment notifications?

Yes. Customers often receive updates through app notifications, SMS, or email alerts.

3. Can ONDC orders be tracked in real time?

Many logistics partners provide real-time tracking updates, including shipment location and delivery status.

4. Who provides delivery tracking information on ONDC?

Delivery tracking updates are shared by the logistics partner and seller platform through the ONDC network.

5. What should customers do if order tracking is not updating?

Customers can contact the buyer app’s customer support or the seller support team for assistance.

6. Is order tracking available for all ONDC orders?

Yes. Most ONDC orders include tracking updates, especially when logistics partners are involved.

7. Can customers track orders without logging into the app?

Some logistics providers provide tracking links that allow customers to track shipments directly through courier tracking pages.

References‍

1. https://www.commerce.gov.in/
2. IBEF Ecommerce Report 2026
3. RedSeer India Ecommerce Outlook

‍Read More 

1. Building Blocks of ONDC: A Detailed Guide to India’s Open Digital Commerce Infrastructure
2. ONDC A Revolutionary Open eCommerce Network – in Action
3. Roles of Seller App & Buyer App on ONDC Network
4. Why Sell Online Through the ONDC Network?
5. Getting Started as a Seller on ONDC: Registration Options
6. Which Is the Best ONDC Seller App? Features, Pros & Cons (2026)
7. Best ONDC Buyer Apps in 2026: Features, Pros & Cons

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