Registered Post Is Dead, Long Live Speed Post!

The century old Registered Post service of the Indian Postal service is being discontinued. It is being merged into a smarter and efficient — Speed Post, according to a circular issued by the Department of Posts. For over a century the registered letter was looked upon as a symbol of credibility, assurance and formality. Whether it be a job offer, legal notice, bank notices, government intimation or a personal letter, Registered Post was not just a service but a part of people’s lives. The Department has given operational streamlining, improved tracking facility and customer convenience as the reason for its merger with Speed Post. As per the circular, all functional guidelines mentioning Registered Post must be amended by July 31, 2025. Terms like Registered Post and Registered Post with Acknowledgement Due — once the very heart of postal communication will be replaced by Speed Post. The launch of the combined service starts from September 1, 2025. Although the transformation may appear trivial when compared to the new age private courier apps and instantaneous tracking services, it has a profound cultural and administrative transformation. Although the Department of Posts assures that speed post will now include all aspects of Registered Post, such as tracking and acceptance of receipt, the issue remains whether it will be able to restore the same measure of trust and ceremonial importance. The age of digital information has already eroded the significance of hard copy letters, but Registered Post was able to maintain its position due to its application in official and legal transactions.