As part of efforts to improve infrastructure of post offices and make them more customer friendly, the postal department is constructing new buildings for three post offices this financial year. Photo: K. Pichumani
Only 10 per cent of the post offices in city function from their own buildings. There are nearly 230 post offices in the city and suburbs
People think twice before entering the cramped Anna Nagar Western Extension post office on School Road. This may change soon as the post office is all set to move into a new building.
As part of efforts to improve infrastructure of post offices and make them more customer friendly, the postal department is constructing new buildings for three post offices this financial year.
The post office in Anna Nagar Western Extension now functions from a rented premises. The new facility, being constructed at a cost of Rs. 65.56 lakh, will be spread over nearly 3,000 sq. ft. The postal department is also preparing to construct new buildings for post offices in Mandaveli and Pondicherry Bazaar in Puducherry.
The existing Anna Nagar Western Extension post office, spread over 1,500 sq. ft., caters to people from Anna Nagar West and its neighbouring localities — Mogappair and Padi. But all it has to offer is cramped dingy premises on the first floor.
Several residents say they have no choice as otherwise they would have to travel at least three kilometres further to reach the post offices in Mogappair East or Second Avenue, Anna Nagar.
V. Rajagopal, a resident of Mogappair, says residents have been demanding the post office be shifted to new premises for two years now. Several senior citizens find it hard to climb the narrow, poorly-lit staircase in the office. There is also no proper parking space.
Residents say the department must start passenger reservation system after the post office is shifted to its new premises on Park Road, Anna Nagar Western Extension.
Staff members at the post office say about 80 persons visit the place daily for various services, including registered posts and bill payment. The post office has nearly 7,500 savings account holders.
At present, only 10 per cent of the post offices in city function from their own buildings. There are nearly 230 post offices in the city and suburbs.
Mervin Alexander, postmaster general, Chennai city region, says the department is keen on operating post offices out of their own premises wherever possible.
“We will ensure the new buildings, with lifts and ramps, are barrier free for the differently abled and senior citizens as well,” says Mr. Alexander.
Source : http://www.thehindu.com
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