Speed post now basic mail service: Govt revises tariffs effective October 1

The Union Ministry of Communications has announced a significant overhaul of postal services, designating speed post as the primary accountable mail service nationwide, with registration available only as an add-on facility. The Department of Posts has notified the overhaul, which will take effect on October 1, along with a revised tariff structure for speed post.

Under the new system, speed post letters and parcels will serve as the fundamental service for delivering accountable items, such as legal documents and statutory communications, to specific addresses. Registration will now be offered exclusively as a supplementary value-added option for speed post.

Along with this rationalisation, the government has also revised tariffs for speed post services. The new rates for intra-city deliveries will  be Rs 20 for the first 50 gram; Rs 2 for every additional 50 gram; for deliveries up to 200 km: Rs 30 for the first 50 gram; Rs 3 for every additional 50 gram; for deliveries between 201-1,000 km: Rs 50 for the first 50 gram; Rs 4 for every additional 50 gram; for deliveries above 1,000 km: Rs 60 for the first 50 gram; Rs 6 for every additional 50 gram; and for parcels above 5 kg, tariffs will be calculated on a slab basis with proportionate charges for each additional 500 gram.

Officials said the rationalisation aims to modernise and simplify postal services while ensuring affordability and efficiency. “This step will streamline accountable mail delivery, reduce overlaps in services, and align India Post with international best practices,” a senior Communications Ministry official stated.

The resolution and revised tariff notification have been circulated to all ministries, state governments, constitutional authorities, and statutory bodies, including the Supreme Court Registry.