‘Speed Post’ might well be turning into an oxymoron. As packages sent by speed post, considered by the department of posts as a premium service, repeatedly miss their delivery deadline, consumers affected by the delays wonder if ‘snail’ would be the better adjective.
While some have encountered problems in tracking the posts online, many complain of delay in delivery. V. Rajagopal of Mogappair had sent study materials to his relative in Mumbai through speed post last month. “It was to be delivered in three days. But I received a text message stating it was delivered ten days later. My relative had already left the country by then,” he said.
Such negligence in service cost V. Sampath of Tiruvallur an employment opportunity. “The job application I sent to the Thiruvananthapuram space centre in August has not reached till date. I tried tracking it online and wrote to various government officials. I am yet to get a response,” he said.
Customers suggest the proof of delivery, for which Rs. 10 is charged, be sent via speed post instead of ordinary post. T. Sadagopan, a consumer activist, recalled that a RTI petition sent to Allahabad was delivered in three days. However, he did not receive information about the delivery.
On an average, nearly 8.5 lakh speed post packages are handled in the Chennai city region (CCR) every month. Postal officials said the delays in delivery could be caused by lack of transport connectivity.
“We receive about 220 complaints every month, mainly about delays in delivery. But, in many cases, the posts are delivered on time. We will consider sending the proof of delivery cards through speed post,” said Mervin Alexander, postmaster general (CCR).
Officials said speed posts were also delayed in cases where there was no one to receive them. Chief postmaster general (Tamil Nadu circle) T. Murthy said residents must authorise someone to receive deliveries in their absence.
Elaborating on various measures aimed at improving service, including the 24-hour booking facility at St. Thomas Mount and Anna Road HPO, and same-day delivery in the city, Mr. Murthy said, “Residents can also provide their e-mail ID to learn about the status of posts. We will take steps to improve the online tracking system.”
Customers may contact 22313200/02 for information regarding domestic speed posts and 22313292 for international posts, or mail cpmg_tn@indiapost.gov.in.
