Bhartiya Dak Courier Tracking: Complete Guide to India Post Speed Post Tracking
Bhartiya Dak, officially known as India Post, is the government-owned postal system operating under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications. With over 155,000 post offices across India—the largest postal network in the world—India Post handles millions of courier and parcel shipments daily through its Speed Post and registered post services, connecting even the most remote villages to urban centers.
What is Bhartiya Dak Courier Tracking?
Bhartiya Dak courier tracking, commonly referred to as India Post tracking or Speed Post tracking, is the system that allows customers to monitor their shipments in real-time using a unique consignment number. This tracking mechanism covers various India Post services including Speed Post (domestic and international), registered post, parcels, Express Parcel Post (XP), business parcels, and e-commerce logistics.
The tracking system provides visibility into package movement from origin post office to destination delivery, including all intermediate sorting centers, transit updates, and final delivery confirmation with timestamp and recipient details.
India Post Speed Post Services Overview
India Post offers comprehensive courier services under different categories:
Also Track: Blue Courier Tracking
| Service Type | Coverage | Delivery Time | Tracking Feature | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Post (Domestic) | All 155,000+ post offices | 1-3 days (metro to metro) | Real-time tracking | Budget-friendly |
| Speed Post (International) | 200+ countries | 4-7 days | Global tracking | Competitive rates |
| Express Parcel Post (XP) | Major cities | 24-48 hours | Priority tracking | Premium pricing |
| Registered Post | Pan-India | 5-10 days | Basic tracking | Lowest cost |
| Business Post | Corporate customers | 2-4 days | Bulk tracking | Volume discounts |
| E-Post | Urban areas | 1-2 days | SMS tracking | Mid-range pricing |
| Logistics Post | E-commerce integration | 3-7 days | Advanced tracking | Competitive |
| Parcel Post | All India | 7-15 days | Limited tracking | Economical |
How to Track Bhartiya Dak (India Post) Shipments
Method 1: Official India Post Website Visit the India Post official website at indiapost.gov.in and navigate to the “Track & Trace” section. Enter your 13-digit consignment number (Speed Post number or article ID) in the tracking field and submit. The system displays comprehensive tracking information including booking details, current status, transit history, and estimated delivery date.
Method 2: India Post Mobile App Download the official “India Post” mobile application from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Register with your mobile number, navigate to the tracking section, enter your consignment number, and access real-time tracking updates with push notifications for status changes.
Method 3: SMS Tracking Send an SMS in the format “POST TRACK <consignment number>” to 166 or 51969 (toll-free). You’ll receive an automated reply with current shipment status, last scanned location, and expected delivery information within minutes.
Method 4: Toll-Free Number Call India Post’s customer care at 1800 11 2011 (toll-free) and provide your 13-digit consignment number to the customer service representative who will provide detailed tracking information including current location and delivery status.
Method 5: Post Office Visit Visit your nearest post office with the booking receipt. Post office staff can check the tracking status through their internal system and provide printed tracking reports if required.
Method 6: IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) Dial 1800 11 2011 and follow the automated voice instructions to track your shipment by entering your consignment number using your phone keypad.
Method 7: Universal Tracking Tools Use third-party multi-courier tracking platforms that support India Post alongside other courier services, allowing consolidated tracking of multiple shipments from different providers in one interface.
Understanding India Post Tracking Number Format
India Post uses standardized tracking number formats:
Speed Post Domestic Format:
- 13-character alphanumeric code
- Format: AA123456789IN
- First two letters indicate service type
- Middle 9 digits are unique identifier
- Last two letters represent country code (IN for India)
Speed Post International Format:
- 13-character format
- Starts with EE, RR, CP, or other service codes
- Example: EE123456789IN
- Trackable on both India Post and destination country postal systems
Registered Post Format:
- Starts with R, followed by 9 digits and IN
- Example: R123456789IN
- Basic tracking with limited intermediate updates
Express Parcel Post (XP) Format:
- Similar 13-digit structure
- Specific prefix codes identifying XP service
- Enhanced tracking compared to standard Speed Post
The tracking number appears on your booking receipt, shipping label, and SMS confirmation sent after booking.
Step-by-Step India Post Tracking Process
Step 1: Locate Your Consignment Number Find the 13-digit tracking number from your booking receipt, email confirmation, or SMS notification received after booking your Speed Post shipment.
Step 2: Access India Post Tracking Portal Open a web browser and navigate to the official India Post website (indiapost.gov.in) or use the India Post mobile app for convenient mobile tracking.
Step 3: Navigate to Track & Trace On the India Post homepage, locate the “Track Consignment” or “Track & Trace” section, typically prominently displayed for easy access.
Step 4: Enter Tracking Details Input your 13-digit consignment number carefully without spaces or additional characters. The system accepts multiple tracking numbers separated by commas for bulk tracking (up to 10-15 numbers simultaneously).
Step 5: Submit Query Click the “Track” or “Submit” button to retrieve shipment information from India Post’s central tracking database.
Step 6: Review Tracking Information Examine the detailed tracking timeline showing:
- Booking date, time, and origin post office
- All intermediate post office scans with timestamps
- Current location and status
- Expected delivery date
- Delivery confirmation with recipient details
Step 7: Check for Additional Details Click on individual tracking events for more information including scanning post office names, postal codes, and specific timestamps.
Step 8: Monitor Regularly For pending deliveries, check tracking daily, especially near expected delivery dates, to stay informed about progress and catch any delivery attempt notifications.
Step 9: Save Tracking Records Take screenshots or save tracking reports for reference, particularly for important shipments or if issues arise requiring documentation.
India Post Tracking Status Meanings
Understanding tracking status codes helps interpret shipment progress:
| Status | Meaning | Expected Action |
|---|---|---|
| Booked | Shipment registered at post office | None – awaiting dispatch |
| Item Bagged | Packed for dispatch to sorting center | None – in transit soon |
| Dispatched to Hub/RMS | Sent to Railway Mail Service hub | None – inter-city transit |
| Received at RMS | Arrived at railway sorting facility | None – processing underway |
| In Transit | Moving between post offices | None – monitor progress |
| Reached Destination Hub | Arrived at delivery city sorting office | Delivery within 1-2 days |
| Out for Delivery | With postman for delivery | Be available at address |
| Item Delivered | Successfully handed to recipient | Verify contents |
| Delivery Attempted | Recipient unavailable | Collect from post office or await reattempt |
| Held at Post Office | Awaiting recipient collection | Visit mentioned post office with ID |
| Arrival at Inward Office of Exchange | International shipment arrived in India | Customs clearance process |
| Handed Over to Customs | International shipment under customs review | May require duty payment |
| Item Returned to Sender | RTO after failed delivery | Sender will receive shipment |
| Undelivered | Cannot deliver due to address/recipient issue | Contact originating post office |
| Missent | Incorrectly routed | Will be corrected and rerouted |
| Bagged for Redirection | Being sent to correct location | None – system correcting error |
India Post Service Coverage and Delivery Times
Metro to Metro Cities: Speed Post delivery between major metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad) typically takes 1-2 days with multiple daily dispatches and dedicated transport.
Metro to Tier-1 Cities: Shipments from metro cities to state capitals and major urban centers deliver within 2-3 days through regular rail and road transport networks.
Metro to Tier-2/Tier-3 Cities: Deliveries to smaller cities and district headquarters take 3-5 days depending on transport connectivity and frequency of mail services.
Urban to Rural Areas: Speed Post to villages and remote areas takes 4-7 days as packages move through district sorting offices to sub-post offices before final delivery by local postmen.
Hill Stations and Remote Locations: Areas with difficult terrain or limited transport connectivity see 5-10 day delivery times, though India Post often remains the only reliable delivery option for such locations.
International Speed Post:
- To neighboring countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka): 4-7 days
- To Asian countries: 5-9 days
- To Europe and Americas: 7-12 days
- To Africa and Oceania: 8-14 days
Common India Post Tracking Issues and Solutions
Tracking Shows No Information If tracking returns no results, verify you entered the complete 13-digit number correctly. Tracking activates only after the first post office scan, which may take 6-24 hours after booking. For bookings made at small post offices, scanning may be delayed until the package reaches the district sorting office.
Status Not Updated for Several Days During transit through rail networks, especially over long distances, tracking may show static status for 2-4 days between major sorting hubs. This is normal for surface transport. However, if status remains unchanged for more than 5 working days, visit your booking post office to request investigation.
Shows Delivered but Not Received Check with family members, neighbors, or building security who may have received on your behalf. India Post often delivers to building representatives in apartments. If confirmed non-receipt, immediately file a complaint at the delivery post office (mentioned in tracking) within 24 hours with your booking receipt and tracking proof.
Missent or Wrong Routing Tracking showing “missent” indicates the package was incorrectly routed. India Post’s system automatically corrects this by redirecting to the proper location. This adds 2-4 days to delivery time but doesn’t require customer action.
Held at Post Office for Collection After delivery attempts, packages are kept at the delivery post office for 7-15 days. Visit the mentioned post office with government-issued photo ID and your tracking number to collect. After this period, shipments return to sender.
International Tracking Stops at Customs For incoming international Speed Post, tracking may pause at “Handed Over to Customs.” Customs clearance for personal items typically takes 2-7 days. For dutiable items, you’ll receive a customs notification for duty payment before release.
Address-Related Delivery Failures Incomplete or incorrect addresses cause delivery failures. If tracking shows address issues, contact the delivery post office immediately with correct complete address including house number, street name, landmark, pin code, and working mobile number.
India Post E-commerce Logistics Tracking
Dedicated E-commerce Services:
India Post offers specialized logistics solutions for e-commerce businesses:
India Post E-commerce Portal Online sellers can register on the India Post e-commerce portal to access bulk booking, automated tracking integration, COD services, and return logistics management.
API Integration E-commerce platforms integrate India Post tracking APIs to display real-time Speed Post updates directly on customer order pages without redirecting to India Post website.
Pin Code Serviceability Checker Sellers can verify Speed Post delivery availability and estimated delivery times for specific pin codes before offering India Post as a shipping option.
COD Reconciliation Cash-on-delivery shipments include payment tracking showing collection status, remittance schedules, and settlement details for financial reconciliation.
Return Management Reverse logistics tracking for product returns follows the same tracking mechanism with separate consignment numbers for return shipments.
Bulk Tracking Solutions High-volume sellers receive dedicated dashboard access to track thousands of shipments simultaneously through Excel uploads or API queries.
Special India Post Tracking Services
Track Multiple Items India Post’s tracking system allows entering up to 10-15 consignment numbers separated by commas to track multiple shipments simultaneously, particularly useful for businesses and frequent users.
Email Notifications Register your email on the India Post website to receive automatic tracking updates via email at key milestones including booking confirmation, dispatch, arrival at destination, and delivery.
SMS Alerts Provide your mobile number at booking to receive SMS notifications for major status changes. This service is free and doesn’t require separate registration.
Delivery Status on WhatsApp India Post is implementing WhatsApp-based tracking allowing customers to check status by sending consignment numbers to official India Post WhatsApp business number.
QR Code Tracking Recent Speed Post receipts include QR codes that can be scanned using smartphone cameras to directly access tracking information without manual number entry.
India Post vs Private Couriers: Tracking Comparison
| Feature | India Post | Blue Dart | Delhivery | DTDC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | 155,000+ locations | 35,000+ locations | 18,000+ pin codes | 15,000+ locations |
| Rural Reach | Excellent | Limited | Moderate | Moderate |
| Tracking Granularity | Moderate | High | High | High |
| Real-time Updates | Hub-level | Scan-level | Scan-level | Scan-level |
| International Tracking | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Delivery Speed (Metro) | 1-2 days | 1 day | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
| Delivery Speed (Rural) | 4-7 days | 5-10 days | 5-10 days | 5-10 days |
| Cost | Most economical | Premium | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| COD Services | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance Options | Available | Available | Available | Available |
India Post Tracking for Government Documents
Sensitive Document Handling:
Government departments, banks, educational institutions, and public sector organizations extensively use India Post for official correspondence:
Aadhaar Card Delivery UIDAI dispatches Aadhaar cards through Speed Post with tracking numbers sent via SMS. Delivery typically takes 7-15 days with signature-on-delivery requirement.
Passport Delivery Regional Passport Offices send passports via Speed Post with mandatory acknowledgment. Tracking shows each transit point and requires recipient presence with valid ID for handover.
Bank Documents Nationalized and private banks use Speed Post for debit cards, credit cards, chequebooks, and account statements. Tracking numbers are provided via SMS to registered mobile numbers.
Educational Certificates Universities and examination boards dispatch mark sheets, degree certificates, and migration certificates through registered post or Speed Post with tracking.
Government Employment Letters Appointment letters, transfer orders, and official communications from government departments use Speed Post for documented delivery with tracking records.
Legal Notices Court summons, legal notices, and judicial documents sent through registered post AD (Acknowledgment Due) include detailed tracking and recipient signature capture.
India Post Tracking Security Features
Identity Verification High-value Speed Post deliveries require government-issued photo ID verification before handover. Postmen verify recipient identity against booking details.
Signature Capture All Speed Post deliveries require recipient signatures digitally captured on handheld devices or physically on delivery acknowledgment slips, linked to tracking records.
Address Confirmation Postmen verify delivery address matches booking details before attempting delivery, reducing wrong delivery incidents.
Proof of Delivery Tracking records include delivery timestamp, recipient name, signature image, and delivering postman’s details as comprehensive proof of successful delivery.
Sealed Packaging Official Speed Post envelopes and packaging include tamper-evident seals. Recipients should verify packaging integrity before accepting delivery.
GPS Tracking (Pilot) India Post is piloting GPS-enabled tracking for postmen in select cities, providing real-time location visibility for out-for-delivery shipments.
India Post Customer Support for Tracking
National Customer Care Call 1800 11 2011 (toll-free from any network) for 24×7 customer support. Provide consignment number for tracking assistance, complaint registration, and query resolution.
Divisional Customer Care Each postal division has dedicated helpline numbers for localized support. Division-specific numbers handle regional language communication and local issue resolution.
Post Office Visit Visit your booking post office or delivery post office with tracking number and booking receipt for in-person assistance with tracking queries and complaints.
Online Complaint Registration File complaints through the India Post website’s complaint section providing consignment number, booking details, and issue description for formal investigation.
Public Grievance Portal Register grievances on the Department of Posts public grievance portal (pgportal.gov.in) for escalated issues not resolved through regular customer care channels.
Social Media Support India Post responds to tracking queries on official Twitter (@IndiaPostOffice) and Facebook pages, particularly useful for quick responses and public visibility.
Email Support Send detailed tracking inquiries to regional or divisional email addresses provided on India Post website for written communication and documentation.
International Speed Post Tracking
Tracking Across Countries:
International Speed Post provides end-to-end tracking from India to destination countries:
Outbound Shipments from India Track using India Post system until shipment leaves India. Continue tracking on destination country postal service website using the same 13-digit number for complete journey visibility.
Inbound Shipments to India Track on origin country postal website initially. Once tracking shows arrival in India, switch to India Post tracking system for domestic delivery updates.
Universal Postal Union (UPU) Standards India Post follows international tracking standards ensuring consistent tracking number formats recognized by postal services in 200+ countries.
Customs Tracking International tracking includes customs clearance status. Track shows “Handed Over to Customs” until clearance completes and shipment releases for domestic delivery.
Delivery Duty Tracking For dutiable items, tracking shows customs duty assessment. Recipients receive customs notification with payment details before final delivery proceeds.
Country-Specific Partnerships India Post has bilateral agreements with major postal services (USPS, Royal Mail, Australia Post) for enhanced tracking and faster processing.
Tips for Effective India Post Tracking
Preserve Booking Receipt Always keep your Speed Post booking receipt containing the 13-digit consignment number safe until delivery confirmation. This serves as proof of booking and enables tracking.
Register Mobile Number Provide accurate mobile number at booking to receive SMS notifications for booking confirmation, dispatch, arrival, and delivery attempts without manual tracking.
Track from Booking Post Office Start tracking from the post office where you booked the shipment for most accurate information, especially for small post offices with delayed scanning.
Allow Scanning Time Don’t panic if tracking shows no information for 12-24 hours after booking. Small post offices send batches to district sorting offices where first scans occur.
Check Multiple Times Daily Near Delivery When tracking shows destination arrival or out-for-delivery status, check multiple times daily and ensure availability at delivery address.
Save Tracking History Take screenshots or print tracking reports for important shipments as historical tracking data may not remain accessible indefinitely on the portal.
Verify Delivery Details After tracking shows delivered status, verify delivery timestamp, recipient name in tracking matches actual delivery, and contents are intact.
Report Issues Immediately File complaints within 24 hours of delivery issues as India Post’s investigation effectiveness decreases with delayed reporting.
India Post Tracking Innovations
Aadhaar-Based Delivery Pilot projects link Aadhaar numbers with deliveries for enhanced identity verification and reducing fraud in sensitive document delivery.
Real-Time GPS Tracking Select post offices implement GPS tracking for postmen enabling customers to see delivery agent location during out-for-delivery status similar to food delivery apps.
Artificial Intelligence Integration AI-powered systems predict delivery times more accurately by analyzing historical data, weather patterns, transportation schedules, and regional factors.
Blockchain Proof of Delivery Experimental blockchain implementation creates immutable delivery records reducing disputes and enhancing trust in tracking data authenticity.
Drone Delivery Tracking India Post tests drone deliveries for remote hill areas with specialized tracking showing flight paths and real-time aerial location for futuristic logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bhartiya Dak Courier Tracking
Q1: How do I track my Speed Post without a consignment number?
Tracking Speed Post without a consignment number is challenging but possible through alternative methods. Visit the post office where you booked the shipment with your booking receipt—the receipt contains booking reference details that staff can use to retrieve the 13-digit consignment number from their system. If you’ve lost the receipt, provide booking date, sender and recipient names, addresses, and approximate booking time to help staff locate the booking record. For items sent to you by others, contact the sender to obtain the tracking number as India Post doesn’t provide consignment numbers to recipients without sender authorization. For government documents like Aadhaar or passports, check the SMS sent to your registered mobile number which contains the tracking number. If none of these options work, visit the delivery post office corresponding to your pin code and request them to check incoming Speed Post items for your address—though this only works for items already arrived at the delivery office.
Q2: Why does my India Post tracking show the same status for 5 days?
Static tracking status for extended periods occurs due to several reasons in India Post’s operation. During long-distance transit through railway mail service (RMS), packages travel for 2-5 days between major cities without intermediate scanning facilities, causing tracking to appear frozen. Remote and rural area deliveries involve multiple transportation legs—rail to district headquarters, then road transport to block-level sorting offices, finally to delivery post offices—with scanning only at major hubs. Weekend and holiday periods reduce operational activity, pausing tracking updates until post offices resume regular operations. High-volume periods like festivals or e-commerce sales create backlogs at sorting offices delaying scanning. However, if tracking shows no updates for more than 5 working days excluding weekends, this warrants investigation. Contact the last scanned post office shown in tracking or call 1800 11 2011 to request shipment investigation. Provide your consignment number and booking details for the customer care team to coordinate with relevant post offices for physical verification.
Q3: What should I do if India Post tracking shows delivered but I didn’t receive my package?
Delivered status without actual receipt requires immediate systematic action. First, check with all household members, especially those who may have received during your absence. In apartment buildings, check with security guards, building managers, or reception desks as postmen often deliver to building representatives. Verify neighbors in adjacent houses or flats who might have received on your behalf. Review tracking details carefully—India Post shows delivery timestamp and sometimes recipient name in proof of delivery. If delivery timing matches when you were away, the postman may have delivered to someone present at your address. After confirming non-receipt through these checks, immediately visit the delivery post office mentioned in tracking (usually your local post office based on pin code) within 24 hours. Carry government-issued ID, your booking receipt if you’re the sender, and mobile showing tracking status. File a formal complaint requesting investigation of the delivery. Post office will contact the delivering postman to verify delivery details, check signature records, and investigate the discrepancy. For valuable items, request written complaint acknowledgment with reference number for follow-up. Act within 24-48 hours as investigation success decreases significantly with delayed reporting.
Q4: How can I track international Speed Post from other countries to India?
International Speed Post tracking to India follows a two-stage process due to different postal systems. Initially, track the shipment using the origin country’s postal service website—USPS for USA, Royal Mail for UK, Australia Post, etc.—using the same 13-digit tracking number starting with service code letters (EE, RR, CP, etc.). This tracking shows the package journey within the origin country until “Dispatched to destination country” or “Left origin country” status. Once tracking on the origin site shows arrival in India (usually mentioned as “Arrival at inward office of exchange” or similar), switch to India Post tracking system at indiapost.gov.in using the same tracking number. India Post tracking will now show domestic journey within India including customs clearance status, arrival at destination city, and final delivery. Note that there may be a 24-48 hour gap when the shipment is in transit internationally where neither system shows updates. For customs clearance delays, India Post tracking shows “Handed Over to Customs”—this typically takes 2-7 days for personal items. If customs duty is applicable, you’ll receive a notification with payment instructions before delivery proceeds.
Q5: Can I change the delivery address for Speed Post after booking?
Address modification for Speed Post after booking is possible but complex and success depends on shipment location when requested. If tracking shows the package is still at the booking post office or hasn’t been dispatched, immediately visit that post office with your booking receipt and request address correction. They can update address details in the system before dispatch. If already dispatched but tracking shows package is at an intermediate sorting office (RMS or divisional hub), contact India Post customer care at 1800 11 2011 requesting address change. Provide consignment number, original address, and complete new address with correct pin code. The customer care team may coordinate with the relevant sorting office to update delivery details, though success varies. Once tracking shows package has reached the delivery post office corresponding to the original pin code, address change becomes very difficult. In this case, your best option is visiting that delivery post office in person with ID proof and requesting they redirect to your new address if within their service area. For completely different city addresses, the package typically needs to complete the original delivery attempt, be held at post office, then you can request redirection—though this adds significant time. Always update addresses before booking to avoid these complications.