Jamshedpur: The postal department launched a self-service speed post booking kiosk in Jamshedpur, marking the beginning of a technology-driven transformation that officials believe will improve customer experience as well as boost revenue.The automated self-booking kiosk, inaugurated at the Jamshedpur head post office on Tuesday, allows customers to book Speed Post articles without standing in queues. Users can weigh their parcels, enter destination details and make payments through UPI, QR code or debit and credit cards before instantly receiving a booking receipt.The facility was initially introduced in Jamshedpur, Ranchi and Dhanbad, with the department planning to expand it to more post offices across Jharkhand in the coming months.“Digital technology is changing the way people access public services. Our objective is to make postal services faster, simpler and completely customer-friendly. The self-booking kiosk eliminates waiting time and offers customers the flexibility to complete the entire booking process on their own,” said Sudhir Kumar, senior superintendent of post offices.Officials said the move is part of India Post’s larger strategy to modernise its operations and retain customers amid growing competition from private courier companies and digital logistics platforms.Meanwhile, with Raksha Bandhan around the corner, the department simultaneously launched a statewide campaign to encourage people to send rakhis through Speed Post.Post offices will set up dedicated Rakhi counters and offer specially designed waterproof envelopes to protect rakhis during the monsoon.“Raksha Bandhan is not merely a festival but an emotional bond between siblings. India Post is committed to delivering every rakhi safely and on time,” said Udaybhan Singh, senior superintendent of post offices, Singhbhum division, on Wednesday.The department also announced a ‘Make and Send Rakhi’ competition in schools across Singhbhum division. Students will prepare handmade rakhis, which will be dispatched directly from their schools through Speed Post. The department will honour the best entries with certificates and special awards.Officials are hopeful that the twin initiatives will not only strengthen public confidence in postal services but also generate higher Speed Post traffic during one of the busiest mailing seasons of the year.
Customers book their parcels at a digital machine at Bistupur post office in Jamshedpur