Subject: Processing of Speed Post and Registered Articles at a Common Hub: An Overview of the Latest Postal Network Optimizations. Download Processing of Speed Post and Registered articles at one hub in PDF.
Introduction In a move towards improving the operational efficiency of postal services, the Department of Posts, Government of India, has initiated changes to the handling of Speed Post and Registered articles. A recent office memorandum (OM No. 30-10/2022-D, dated 17th October 2024) addresses the integration of processing hubs for these services. This article breaks down the key aspects of these developments and their implications for the future of mail processing in India.
Background: The Mail Network Optimization Project (MNOP) Since its inception in 2010, the Mail Network Optimization Project (MNOP) has significantly overhauled India’s postal network. The project converted Speed Post centres into National Sorting Hubs (NSHs) and Intra-Circle Hubs (ICHs) to handle large volumes of Speed Post articles, averaging 10,000 articles daily at NSHs and 2,000 at ICHs. However, the same optimization principles were not applied to Registered Post hubs, leading to inefficiencies in their network.
Today, with around 94 NSHs, 149 ICHs, 96 Registered L1 hubs, and 216 Registered L2 hubs, a substantial number of articles move through the system daily. Yet, the disparity in transit times between Speed Post and Registered articles—despite a much higher volume of Speed Post traffic—indicated room for improvement.
Key Observations in the Current Network The Department of Posts identified several issues during a review of the existing system:
- Many NSHs and Registered L1 hubs operate from the same premises or city, but independently.
- The segregation of Speed Post and Registered articles into separate networks increases operational complexity and processing time.
- Separate bags for Speed Post and Registered mail at booking and delivery points create inefficiencies.
The New Approach: Merging Hubs The government has proposed merging Speed Post and Registered processing hubs to streamline operations. Under the new system:
- Registered L1 hubs will be merged with NSHs.
- Registered L2 hubs will be merged with ICHs.
- In cases where hubs operate from different locations in the same city, circles will decide the most convenient location for joint processing.
- Cities without NSHs or ICHs will see Registered L1/L2 hubs collocated with the nearest available hub.
This integration will reduce the number of bags processed, decrease scanning time, optimize space and equipment use, and lower overall operational costs. Most importantly, the transit time for Registered articles will be brought to par with Speed Post, improving reliability across the system.
Timeline and Implementation The revised operational network is slated to come into force from 7th December 2024. Postal circles have been tasked with ensuring that all necessary preparations, including space allocation, electrical and civil works, and revised post office mapping, are completed by 10th November 2024.
Conclusion By merging Speed Post and Registered hubs, the Department of Posts aims to create a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective mail processing system. These changes promise to enhance service quality and ensure that both Speed Post and Registered mail reach their destinations faster and with fewer operational bottlenecks.
This transformation represents a significant step forward in India's postal system, addressing long-standing challenges and adapting to the evolving needs of mail and parcel logistics in the modern era.
