Cold chain structures today, especially post-COVID-19, must ensure that they can meet the ever-increasing requirements of customers while also ensuring the safety and quality of products for the end consumer. In order to improve cold chain performance, this study primarily analyses the critical success factors (CSFs). The total interpretive structural modelling technique was exercised to construct contextual links amongst the isolated elements and then categorized into various groups on the basis of driving force and dependence through the application of Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC). The Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) model emphasizes the significance of infrastructure, awareness and integration, which are the foundational factors leading to responsiveness and sustainability. MICMAC analysis established that to enhance the success of the digital cold chain, it is imperative that infrastructure, awareness, integration, traceability, safety and quality are enhanced. Enhancing these CSFs will bring about enhanced responsiveness and a sustainable digital cold chain. Decision-makers and strategists in the supply chain domain can focus on crucial factors leading to effective choices and maximize value for businesses. Although the field is still in its stage of evolution, the study aims to contribute to the expanding information on digitally-led cold network. This study is among the few to look at success elements that are essential to raising cold chain performance and establishes the framework for additional study in this area.