Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (NR) 

Bangalore, Oct 10: There is good news for citizens. After selling Air Deccan tickets at its select offices, post offices in the state will now also start selling railway tickets.

Once this facility is implemented people will no longer have to wait in long queues at the stations to buy railway tickets, sources here informed. The basic aim in starting the said service is to extend the postal retail services and reach out to a wider section of the society, thereby making post offices useful in all areas. 

However, a government notification to the effect is awaited before this service commences in select post offices which are e-linked, sources from the post master general’s office here stated. Further sources stated that the said service already exists in eight northern states and will also be introduced in the state soon.

The postal department is interested in tying-up with companies to carry packages above 50 kgs under logistic posts to all parts of the state. Although services up to 30 kgs are provided, this is not sufficient and expansion is necessary. 

Currently they have tied-up with Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for logistic posts. There is presently demand from the department for operators who will carry heavy parcels. However, since the postal department comes under government body, it is facing bias from private airlines, leading to some problems, rued the sources.

In addition to issuance of train tickets, the postal department has plans to start sale and acceptance of forms for various examinations conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission and acceptance of electricity bills through computerized post offices in Bangalore rural districts, Mangalore, Dharwad, Kolar, and Mysore district.

Further provisions are also being made by the postal department for web-based address verification to telecom service providers and to financial institutions to help in quick verification of addresses. Moreover the department will also sell stamp papers through all post offices in the state circle, informed sources here.