The Speed Post call centre service will begin in Delhi from Friday and later cover all the metropolitan cities in the first phase. A high point of the devoted telephone service is to strengthen India Post's home collection network to rope in customers, a senior official of the department said.

The toll free number for Delhi is 1800-119-888. The service can also be availed by dialling 1256. The service will be introduced in other metropolitan cities after testing its efficacy in the capital, the official added.

Apart from home collection service, the Speed Post call centre will provide host of other services related to receipt and dispatch of packets, letters and other such material. Customers can ring up to enquire about the tariff, know delivery status of a letter or parcel booked by them.

Significantly, a draft Bill to streamline the courier trade in the country and bring it at par with the international norms, is under the governments active consideration. The proposed legislation entails to regulate the courier services through a mechanism registration of the courier companies.

DIAL A MAIL

• India Post has decided to start a speed post call centre. The service will begin in Delhi from Friday
  
• The service after being tested in Delhi will be underway in other metroes in the first phase.
  
• The toll free number is 1256