Now, Postmen in Jaipur to deliver e-goods in 24 hours

JAIPUR: Don't be surprised if you find the khaki-clad postman, popularly known as dakiya, delivering your designer outfit you ordered last night from a mega online company.

Products purchased through online by e-commerce websites will now be delivered by the good-old trusted postman, who has been a familiar figure known to be handing out money orders and inland and postcards. 

Times are changing. One of the e-commerce giants signed an exclusive town delivery in Jaipur with India Posts starting Thursday. 

E-retailers with fast growing business are now rendering services of postman to deliver their shipments in the least possible time. Under the agreement, India Post will collect and deliver the orders within 24 hours. However, services will not be available for cash-on-delivery transactions. 

Initially, the services will be available at six pin code areas where the volume of parcels are very high. Depending on the success rate, the entire city will be brought under its ambit very soon. To fulfil its commitment, the department has made arrangements and deputed a dedicated van. 

"We have been doing business with e-commerce companies. But this is the first time an exclusive town delivery will be started," said chief postmaster general, DKS Chauhan. He added "This will allow the companies to use our dedicated manpower while customers will receive their goods the next day". 

Companies like Sanpdeal, Flipkart, Amazon, Naaptol, Yepme have already tied up with India Post keeping in mind the unparalleled rural reach. 

Meanwhile, the department is looking to strengthen its rural services. In these areas, postmen will be given handheld devices. Gadgets will enable them to update information on withdrawal and credit of cash, receiving signatures from customers on a real time basis. 

"In 8,900 post offices, handheld devices will be delivered. However, in Phase 1, that will roll out in current financial year, about 3,000 post offices will receive it," Chauhan confirmed. 

Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/