To ensure speedy delivery of parcels at the global level, the Indian Postal department had launched ‘World Net Express’ service in the state from June 1, in partnership with the German postal services company - Deutsche Post.

The Speed Post centre at the city railway station, which is the biggest business centre in the state, is however yet

to avail the benefits of the service.

Postal department officers claimed that they were yet to receive a ‘secret code’ for the Ludhiana Speed Post centre, necessary for operating the service.

The employees said they were receiving several queries from customers, but no one was certain as to when the service would finally start.

Senior Superintendent Post Offices, Ludhiana, V K Raizada, said: “Due to non-functioning of the software, the World Net Express service is yet to start functioning. The Speed Post centre books maximum parcels and packages for foreign countries from Punjab and earns revenue of more than Rs 80,000 per month. We book about 20 parcels and packages daily.”

“We are eagerly waiting for the service which exists only on paper till date. We send our parcels through Speed Post and want to avail the service at the earliest to facilitate quick delivery to our foreign clients,” said Amrit Lal, a resident of the city.

Chief Post Master General, Punjab Circle, P R Kumar, meanwhile, said: “India Posts has tied up with Deutsche Post’s courier service DHL. Earlier, the Speed Post service was transporting packages and parcels to about 90 countries but after the tie-up, the department can deliver packages to over 224 countries.” He added that the delivery time will be cut short to 3-4 days from the earlier 6-7 days.

An officer of the postal department said: “Once the service becomes operational, it would be very easy for customers to send their parcels and locate them anywhere in the world. People only need to bring the delivery material to the centre. Our officials will pack these with weather-proof and tamper-proof packing material in boxes. The parcels will not be checked by Customs officials. One can even keep a track on the delivery status through the Internet.”