PHAGWARA: India Post has announced the discontinuation of its long-standing Registered Post service, effective from September 1, as part of a nationwide modernisation drive. The decision will integrate Registered Post into the Speed Post framework, a move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, expanding digital services, and streamlining the postal network.
Registered Post, introduced more than five decades ago, has been widely regarded for its affordability, reliability, and legal validity. Priced at Rs 25.96 plus Rs 5 for every additional 20 grams, it offered an economical means of communication and document delivery, particularly in rural areas and among small businesses. By contrast, Speed Post tariffs begin at Rs 41 for consignments up to 50 grams, making it approximately 20–25 per cent costlier. This price difference is expected to place a burden on farmers, small traders, and individuals in remote regions who have long relied on low-cost mailing options.
Officials at the Department of Posts cited declining demand as a primary reason for the phase-out. Government data shows a 25 per cent fall in registered articles over the past decade, from 244.4 million in 2011–12 to 184.6 million in 2019–20. The shift has been driven by the growth of digital communication and the expansion of private courier and e-commerce logistics services. Maintaining both Registered Post and Speed Post also resulted in overlapping infrastructure and increased operational costs.
Under the new arrangement, Speed Post will absorb all functions previously handled by Registered Post. Unlike its predecessor, Speed Post offers faster delivery, real-time tracking, digital payment options, and insurance cover. Government departments, courts, educational institutions, and other bulk users have been directed to complete the transition to Speed Post by the September deadline.
While the merger is positioned as a step towards modernisation and technological advancement, concerns remain about its impact on vulnerable groups. Rural communities, low-income households, and small enterprises may find the higher charges prohibitive, potentially reducing their access to secure postal communication. Postal officials in some regions have acknowledged that detailed instructions on implementation are still awaited, indicating that the change may roll out in phases across the country.
For many, the discontinuation of Registered Post marks more than just a policy shift—it signals the end of an era. For decades, the service carried not only official documents but also personal letters that bound families and communities together. Its affordability and recognition by courts and government offices gave it a special place in the public imagination. As India Post moves towards a technology-driven future, nostalgia for the days when the postman delivered hand-written letters remains a poignant reminder of the service’s legacy.