India Post launches 24‑hour and 48‑hour Speed Post services with new tariffs

India Post has issued new Speed Post rules that take effect on August 1, 2026. The Department of Posts has formally defined what items qualify as “documents” – including Aadhaar, PAN, passports, driving licences, bank passbooks, cheque books, account statements, credit and debit cards, and similar non‑commercial items – allowing them to be charged at lower document rates. Non‑document items such as mobile phones, garments, gift articles and other bulky goods are classified as parcels and are subject to parcel rates.

The revision introduces two premium delivery options: “24 Speed Post”, guaranteeing delivery within 24 hours, and “48 Speed Post”, guaranteeing delivery within 48 hours. Both services are initially available in six metropolitan cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Retail customers will be charged based on weight, distance and chosen service, with tariffs ranging from ₹38 to ₹100 for 24‑hour delivery and ₹48 to ₹72 for 48‑hour delivery, while parcel rates vary by category.

The changes come ahead of the Raksha Bandhan festival, when postal traffic spikes as people send gifts and greeting cards. Customers are advised to review the updated tariff structure before booking shipments.