New PIN code for bulk mail in Chennai

Chennai is one of the cities identified for the launch of a new system of six-digit PIN (postal index number) code, aimed at serving bulk recipients of mail.

As the new PIN codes will be customer specific, it would suffice if senders of mail or articles wrote the respective PIN code. There will be no need for writing the detailed postal address.

Under the proposed system, the first three digits will indicate the existing sorting district.

For instance, in the case of Chennai, the first three digits will remain as 600. But, the last three digits, to be assigned by the State-level or regional-level postal authorities, will be unique to each customer.

Apart from individual bulk addressees, the PIN codes are going to be earmarked for specific buildings such as Rajaji Bhavan, where a large number of offices are located. The customer PIN codes will be provided to the bulk addressees free of cost.

Sources say there is a provision for premium numbers with regard to the last three digits. But, they will be allotted by the Postal Directorate.

The rationale behind the new system is to facilitate automation and mechanization of mail processes, leading to speedy delivery. The proposed system is going to be launched in major cities and towns of the country as it has been found that almost all business mail get generated in the urban centers. Also, a majority of mail meant for delivery is also within 78 cities and towns.

At present, many bulk recipients of mail are subscribers of the post box system, under which they are required to collect their articles from the post offices. But, under the proposed system, postmen will deliver the mail at the places of the addressee.