Srinagar, Oct 21: With private courier services making fast inroads into the postal market in state, the Department of Posts Friday launched its Speed Post ‘Free Home Collection’ service here for the convenience of customers and to regain some of its lost market share.
 “A speed post will be collected from the home of a customer and there is no need for them to visit any post office for the purpose,” Chief Post Master General Jammu and Kashmir Circle John Samuel said.
 The service was launched by the Minister for Finance Abdul Rahim Rather at a function held at GPO here.
 Elaborating on the new service, Samuel said Rs 12 would be charged for handling the posts within the city, Rs 25 across country and Rs 20 within Valley.
 The speed post will be delivered next day within valley. “Whether small volumes or large volumes, whether the mail is meant for domestic or international, the postal department will provide the free collection at the doorstep of the customer on a toll free number :18001807500”, he said.
 “Speed Post was started by Department of Posts in 1986 for providing time-bound and express delivery of letters and parcels weighing upto 35 kg. In the past 25 years, it continues to be the market leader in the express industry with a market share of 27 %,” Samuel said.
 He said the Post would be tracked through online ‘SpeedNet’ tracking system that combines reliability, speed and customer friendly service. “Using the thirteen digit barcode that identifies Speed Post consignment, this web-based technology helps the customers track Speed Post consignments from booking to delivery on www.indiapost.gov.in.
 He informed other services including Speed Post Local, Same Day Speed Post service and Speed Post One India, One Rate scheme would also be used by customers started in J&K.
 “Under same day speed post service the Speed Post articles booked before noon, at specified offices, will be delivered on the same day within the town. it's absolutely fast and reliable. The service will be available in Jammu, Srinagar, Udampur, Leh, Anantnag and Baramulla", John said.
 “As a part of Speed Post Anniversary Celebrations, we have introduced 'One India One Rate' scheme under which consignments upto 50 grams will be charged just Rs 25 for any destination in India,” he added.
 The new service was launched on the eve of 25th anniversary celebrations of Speed Post Service throughout  the country.
 The Regional Manager, State Bank of India (SBI) A.N. Tak, I.G. B.S.F Anil Kamboj, Director, postal services , J&K circle, Amit Sharma, Sr. Superintendent of post offices, Srinagar, B.L. Pandita, members of postal fraternity representatives of various Banks, and Telecom companies were also present on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST