India Post Speed Post rule now requires mobile numbers of both the sender and recipient when booking Speed Post and Registered Post, with the Department of Posts ending the earlier relaxation for customers who declined to provide the numbers.
The change is aimed at improving tracking and delivery communication.
According to the Department of Posts’ instructions, bookings without the required mobile number will generally not be processed through the postal system.
India Post Speed Post Rule Makes Numbers Mandatory
Under the revised rule, customers booking accountable mail must provide a valid mobile number for the sender and addressee.
The information is captured in the postal booking system at the time of booking.
The Department of Posts said the change was made after reviewing operational requirements, customer feedback and complaints.
It noted that failure to capture mobile numbers had affected tracking, delivery communication and customer satisfaction.
The rule applies to Speed Post and Registered Post services covered by the accountable-mail booking process.
Customers therefore need to keep the required mobile numbers available when visiting a post office for such bookings.
Why India Post Changed the Booking Requirement
Mobile numbers can help postal staff contact the sender or recipient when communication is required during the delivery process.
The information also supports tracking and delivery-related communication.
The revised instructions discontinue the earlier relaxation under which accountable mail could be booked when a customer refused to provide a mobile number.
This means customers who previously relied on the refusal option may now find that their Speed Post or Registered Post booking cannot proceed without the required number.
Some Exceptions Still Apply
The mandatory requirement has specific exceptions.
The recipient’s mobile number is not mandatory for international articles, while the recipient’s number is also not required when mail is addressed to offices of Central or State Government departments and certain constitutional or statutory bodies.
There is also an exception for sender mobile numbers for bulk mailers or customers whose identity is already established through contracts.
Articles addressed to the Central Vigilance Commission under the PIDPI framework also have an exception for the sender’s mobile number.
For these specified exceptions, the postal system provides for entry of a dummy mobile number during booking.
 What Customers Should Know
People planning to send Speed Post or Registered Post should carry the correct mobile numbers of the sender and recipient to avoid problems at the booking counter.
The change is part of the Department of Posts’ wider effort to improve technology-enabled postal services and delivery communication.
India Post has also introduced features such as OTP-based delivery and online payment for Speed Post services.
