The Department of Posts recently announced a significant change in how Speed Post Inland Documents and Registered articles will be processed. As per OM No. 30-1012022-D dated 17.10.2024, both types of mail will now be handled at a single, unified hub to improve efficiency and reduce operational complexity.
Background and Need for Change
The Mail Network Optimization Project (MNOP), launched in 2010, converted National and State Speed Post Centres into National Sorting Hubs (NSH) and Intra Circle Hubs (ICH). These hubs handled large volumes of Speed Post articles—about 10,000 daily at NSHs and 2,000 at ICHs. However, during the conversion of CRCs into Registered L1 and L2 offices, these benchmarks were not considered. This resulted in more Registered L2 hubs than ICHs, causing longer transit times for Registered articles compared to Speed Post articles, even though Speed Post traffic is almost three times higher.
Current Situation
Today, the DOP operates 94 NSHs, 149 ICHs, 96 Registered L1 offices, and 216 Registered L2 offices. These hubs are spread across the country, with post offices mapped to them. However, the hub-and-spoke model, which has been in place for over 12 years, is no longer efficient. The mail profile has changed significantly, with 80-85% of Speed Post articles now booked in bulk centers located in major cities. Meanwhile, most NSH/Registered L1 and ICH/Registered L2 hubs handle inbound and outbound mail for smaller destinations.
Problems Identified
An analysis of the existing network revealed that many NSHs and Registered hubs are located in the same city, often even in the same premises. Despite this, they process Speed Post and Registered articles separately, creating unnecessary delays and operational inefficiencies. Separate bags are closed for each type of article, even though they are dispatched to the same delivery offices. This practice not only increases the number of closed bags but also leads to bottlenecks at Transport Mail Offices (TMOs), causing delays and reducing reliability.
Expected Benefits of Unified Processing
The DOP concluded that merging the processing of Speed Post and Registered articles at a single hub will offer several benefits:
- Fewer bags in the transmission network.
- Simplified bag transmission and handling processes.
- Better use of space, equipment, and resources.
- Fewer Mail Motor schedules.
- Less time required for scanning bags at post offices and hubs.
- Lower operational costs and improved reliability.
- Faster delivery times for Registered articles, making them as quick as Speed Post articles.
New Plan for Hub Integration
To address these inefficiencies, the DOP will merge the processing of Speed Post and Registered articles at common hubs. This integration will occur as follows:
- In cities where NSH and Registered L1 offices or ICH and Registered L2 offices already operate in the same premises, they will merge into a single hub.
- In cities where these hubs operate from different locations, the circle administration will choose one location to process both types of mail.
- For cities with Registered hubs but no NSH or ICH, the most suitable location for merging will be selected, based on operational convenience and geographic conditions.
- Any space constraints will be addressed, and if necessary, circles will escalate such issues to the Directorate by 21 October 2024.
The newly merged hubs will retain the names National Sorting Hub (NSH) and Intra Circle Hub (ICH).
Next Steps
Circles must realign the mapping of delivery post offices with these merged hubs. They are required to submit revised mappings by 25 October 2024. Any electrical or civil works needed, along with layout adjustments, must be completed by 10 November 2024. The revised operational network will officially come into effect on 7 December 2024.
Conclusion and Assurance
This strategic shift by the Department of Posts aims to create a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable mail processing system. By merging Speed Post and Registered hubs, the DOP expects not only to reduce operational costs but also to significantly improve delivery times and service reliability. India Post remains committed to adapting its operations to meet modern demands while continuing to offer dependable services to its customers. This move underscores the Department’s dedication to ensuring a brighter future for postal services across the country.