Struggles at Bengaluru’s Postal Offices: A Call for Improvement

ON 02 APRIL 2025, we wanted to send some books, clothes, shoes, and chappals by registered parcel post at the Benson Town Sub-Post Office in Miller's Road. However, the biggest disappointment was that they only allowed parcels up to 20 kg each --- or two separate parcels, each under 20 kg. We were unaware of this strict limitation, which caused significant inconvenience, forcing us to resize our large parcel into smaller ones before attempting again.

The next morning, on 03 APRIL 2025, around 10:30 AM, we reached the same post office by autorickshaw, only to be informed by the staff that there was an electricity cut-off due to line repairs, and they would not able to process our parcel. Though it was raining, we were compelled to head to the JC Nagar Post Office. There, we faced another unexpected hurdle --- we were only allowed to send three parcels, each below 20 kg. The dealing clerk advised us to visit the RT Nagar Head Post Office, where there were no weight restrictions. So, once again, we moved, and finally, we managed to send all our parcels at a lower rate than both Benson Town and JC Nagar. This left us wondering: Why do the postal rates differ across offices? Is it calculated based on the distance between the sub-office and the head office?

Later in the evening, we went to the Vasanth Nagar Post Office to send one last parcel, where we fortunately faced no issue. However, one incident stood out --- the lady staff’s response to a simple query about the rate per kg and days taken to reach the addressee. Instead of providing a clear answer, she snapped: “You can track it with the tracking number!” --- a rude and unprofessional response from a public servant. A polite explanation would have been more helpful and informative, allowing us to share the information with our friends, who are also preparing to send their belongings.

Another frequent question we faced at multiple offices was: “Why are you coming here instead of going to the nearest post office?”

Further, one official openly admitted: “We [sub-branches] have a small weighing machine that can only handle up to 20 kg, and we also have carrier (transport) issues.”

While these explanations may be valid, they highlight a bigger problem --- why should the public struggle between multiple post offices just to send parcels? Such inefficiencies waste time, money, and effort. The concerned authorities and the postal department must urgently address these logistical shortcomings to ensure better service for the public.

Hope these bitter experiences reach their ears and prompt necessary action. 

Neglected and Crumbling: BBMP’s Apathy Towards Miller’s Road

Negligence in Governance: Karnataka Government and BBMP must ACT Now

Cows in Distress: Tied, Soaked, and Neglected

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

A Concerned Citizen of India

    Bengaluru | 03.04.'25

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