Unused Post Box Cabinets Occupying Valuable Space: Proposal Submitted to Department of Posts
Retired Postal Officer Suggests Removal of Unused Post Box Cabinets to Improve Space Utilisation in Post Offices
New Delhi | July 27, 2026
A practical and forward-looking proposal has been submitted to the Department of Posts by Shri Vilas Ingale, Retired Assistant Director Postal Services (A&V), former Senior Postmaster of Thane Head Post Office, and former General Secretary of the All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents of Posts. The proposal calls for the removal of obsolete and unused Post Box Cabinets from post offices across the country to improve operational efficiency and make better use of valuable office space.
Addressed to the Secretary (Posts), Department of Posts, the representation highlights how the communication landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last decade. With the widespread adoption of digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and email, the dependence on traditional letter communication has declined significantly. Consequently, the once-popular Post Box service has become largely redundant in many post offices.
Post Box Service Has Lost Relevance
According to Shri Ingale, there was a time when businesses, institutions, and individuals eagerly sought Post Boxes to receive large volumes of mail. The annual rental was modest, and demand was so high that many post offices maintained waiting lists for allotment.
However, the situation has changed drastically. Most Post Box holders have surrendered their boxes, and new applications have become extremely rare. As a result, entire Post Box Cabinets in many post offices remain vacant and unused, occupying valuable floor and wall space.
Unused Cabinets Affect Public Image
The retired postal officer points out that these unused cabinets often become storage areas for unwanted articles and miscellaneous office materials. Over time, they appear dusty, shabby, and poorly maintained, creating an unhygienic and unattractive environment for customers.
He believes that such neglected infrastructure negatively impacts the public perception of the Department of Posts, particularly when the organization is striving to modernize its services and improve customer experience.
Successful Example from Thane Head Post Office
Shri Ingale cited his own experience while serving as Senior Postmaster, Thane Head Post Office during 2015–2016. At that time, four Post Box Cabinets were installed, but the majority of the boxes had remained unused for years.
After obtaining approval from higher authorities, two of the four cabinets were removed, and the vacated space was allocated to the delivery staff for operational activities. The initiative was widely appreciated, and the same space continues to be effectively utilized by the Nodal Delivery staff even today.
He describes this as a successful example of how infrastructure can be repurposed to meet changing operational requirements.
Proposal for Nationwide Survey
In his representation, Shri Ingale has urged the Department of Posts to conduct a comprehensive survey of all post offices to identify unused Post Box Cabinets. Where the cabinets are no longer serving any practical purpose, he recommends their removal and disposal on priority.
The recovered space, he suggests, should be utilized for:
Providing cleaner and more spacious working areas for postal employees.
Creating dedicated storage and handling space for the rapidly increasing volume of parcels and e-commerce consignments.
Improving the overall appearance and customer-friendly environment of post offices.
Aligning Infrastructure with Modern Postal Operations
The proposal reflects the changing nature of postal services in India. While traditional letter mail has steadily declined, parcel and logistics operations have grown rapidly due to the expansion of e-commerce. Reconfiguring underutilized infrastructure would allow post offices to better support these evolving business requirements without significant additional investment.
Awaiting Department's Response
Shri Vilas Ingale has requested the Department of Posts to issue appropriate instructions to all Postal Circles for immediate action and has also sought an Action Taken Report on the proposal.
Copies of the representation have been forwarded to the Director General Postal Services and all Chief Postmasters General across the country for consideration.
If implemented, the proposal could help modernize post office infrastructure, improve workplace efficiency, enhance customer experience, and ensure that valuable space is utilized for the growing needs of parcel handling rather than obsolete facilities.