India Post has declared to terminate its Registered Post service from September 1, 2025. This will end 50-year legacy of safe, reliable, and cost-effective communication for millions of Indian citizens.
The decision is part of a comprehensive strategy of India Post to update and transform postal operations by integrating Registered Post with Speed Post, that was known for its faster delivery with live tracking features.
Decline in Usage and Shift to Digital Communication
Registered Post was announced during British rule in India. The services expanded significantly post-independence. It was extensively used for delivering bank correspondence, job letters, legal notices, and government communications. It was considered to be a legal validity and the proof of delivery (POD) was permissible in courts.
Though, official postal data indicates a 25% fall in usage, from 244.4 million items registered in 2011–12 to 184.6 million in 2019–20. It was determined by the rise of digital credentials, private courier services, and e-commerce logistics. The Ministry of Communications has cited these trends as a reason for this huge transformation.
Integration With Speed Post and Cost Implications
As part of the merger, all public institutions like courts, universities, and government departments have been instructed to transition to Speed Post. The Department of Posts states this inculcation will improve tracking accuracy, delivery speed, and service transparency.
Speed Post is priced higher starting at ₹41 for up to 50 grams, however, Registered Post was ₹25.96 plus ₹5 per 20 grams. This 20–25% advancement in price increases concerns over availability, especially in rural India. For this segment base, the services were affordable for farmers, small traders, and local institutions.
Cultural Impact and Public Sentiment
Though officials say significant features, like tracking, acknowledgment receipts, and proof of delivery will be retained in Speed Post. Registered Post was not just a service but an institution mostly for those in distant areas where digital presence remains limited.
The Department of Posts has not announced any subsidized replacements for economically weaker users, prompting calls for unbiassed access in the growing postal landscape.
Ankur Mishra is a journalist who covers an extensive range of news, from business, stock markets, IPOs to geopolitics, world affairs, international crises, and general news. With over a decade of experience in the business domain, Ankur has been associated with some of the reputed media brands. Through a sharp eye on global marketplaces along with deep insights and analysis of business strategies, Ankur brings simplicity to the complex economic matrix to decode market trends and empower people.
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