Rationalization of Mail Processing Hubs Under Mail and Parcel Optimization Project(MPOP)

Issuing Authority: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India.

Date: 28 January 2026.

Subject: Implementation of Phase 2 of the Mail and Parcel Optimization Project (MPOP) by downgrading specific mail hubs.

Key Decision:

• The competent authority has decided to downgrade 27 National Sorting Hubs (NSHs) to Intra-Circle Hubs (ICHs), effective 03 February 2026.

Background:

• This follows a previous proposal to downgrade 34 NSHs. After consultations with postal circles and analysis of mail profiles, the final list was reduced to 27.

Operational Directives:

• Bulk Mail Centers: BNPL/BPC centers (which handle 60-70% of Speed Post mail) will continue to send direct bags to these downgraded ICHs.
• Major NSH Connections: 9 major NSHs (listed in Annexure C, including Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, etc.) that contribute significant mail traffic will maintain direct bag exchanges with the downgraded ICHs.
• Future Analysis: Circles are requested to analyze and suggest if any other NSHs (from a provided list in Annexure D) should maintain direct connections with the downgraded hubs.

Lists Attached:

• Annexure A: The list of 27 NSHs to be downgraded, spread across various states (e.g., Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Mysuru, Kozhikkode, Gwalior, etc.).
• Annexure B: (Referenced but content not provided in excerpt) List of Bulk Mail Booking Centers.
• Annexure C: List of 9 Major NSHs that will continue direct links.
• Annexure D: Final list of NSHs that will remain operational after this downgradation.

Initiating Officer: Dushyant Mudgal, DDG (Mail Operations).