In these times when physical letters are hurtling towards oblivion, here is a heat-warming development.
On March 10, the Sithalapakkam branch post office in Madambakkam was upgraded as a sub-post office (delivery). The branch post office used to operate only for three hours every per day and had only limited facilities.
In addition, Sithalapakkam has now been given a new pin code — 600131.
The new post office was inaugurated by South Chennai MP J. Jayavardhan who also donated Rs.1,82,000 towards opening of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts for 182 girl students (aged under 10 years) of Sithalapakkam Panchayat Union Primary School, with the minimum deposit of Rs.1,000 each.
One of the senior officials of India Post said, “The upgrade was made after factoring in the increase in apartment complexes in the neighbourhood, including the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board’s housing complex with more than 10,000 residents. A demand by residents for a separate post office was another factor.”
In addition to the existing postmaster, clerk, an office assistant and two postmen, three new postmen have been appointed.
The opening of the new post office will benefit at least 25,000 residents of Ezhil Nagar, Sithalapakkam and a section of Perumbakkam. “People have now started using the post office for various other reasons including utility payments,” the official added.
On how the branch post office functioned, he said, “There were no Internet-based services. Letters meant for residents of Sithalapakkam and nearby areas were delivered via Madambakkam post office. But now, delivery of letters will take a direct route,” the official added. The upgraded post office, which is now functioning at a rented building, is fully computerised, offering all kinds of postal services and parcel services. The new post office is located at: No.4/289, Ambal Nagar, Sithalapakkam, Chennai – 600131, behind the panchayat office. It operates from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., from Mondays to Fridays, and from 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. on Saturdays. For details, call 22771302.
