Patna’s Bankipur Post Office is set to enhance its Aadhaar service offerings starting from January 1, 2026. The post office will extend its operating hours to 12 hours a day, from 8 am to 8 pm, to accommodate the growing demand for Aadhaar-related services. This step is in response to the increasing footfall at the post office, which has become a primary hub for Aadhaar services in Patna, second only to the Patna General Post Office (GPO).
Addressing the Surge in Aadhaar Service Demand
The expansion of Aadhaar services at Bankipur Post Office is aimed at addressing the surging demand. According to officials, more than 250 people visit the post office daily for Aadhaar enrolment, updates, and corrections. At times, this number exceeds 300, leading to overcrowding and long queues. As a result, the postal department has decided to extend the service hours to ensure that more people can access Aadhaar services without the stress of waiting in long lines.
The decision to extend the hours follows a clear need to manage the increasing workload effectively. Bankipur Post Office has become one of the busiest locations for Aadhaar-related services in Patna, serving not only the city residents but also those from surrounding areas. The extended working hours will make the services more accessible, especially to those who have struggled to visit the office during regular working hours.
Additional Resources and Staff to Support Extended Hours
In preparation for the extended hours, the postal department has taken several steps to ensure smooth operations. One of the key measures includes increasing the number of trained staff members. The department has already requested the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to issue user IDs for 18 additional staff members. This process is nearly complete, and the new staff will help manage the increasing volume of work.
Currently, there are 10 dedicated Aadhaar counters at the Bankipur Post Office, handling around 220 cases a day. Despite the efforts to manage the load, an additional 25 to 30 people visit the post office daily but leave without completing the process due to the long queues or because they arrive too late in the day. The extended hours will aim to address these issues by ensuring that everyone who comes to the post office has enough time to complete their Aadhaar-related tasks.
Improved Amenities for a Better Customer Experience
To further ease the burden of long waits, the Bankipur Post Office has also taken steps to improve customer comfort. The post office has provided large-screen televisions for entertainment, ample seating arrangements, and drinking water to make the waiting experience more bearable. These measures are designed to improve the overall experience for the people waiting in long queues and help make the waiting process more comfortable.
Despite these efforts, officials acknowledge that the heavy footfall can still cause some inconvenience. However, with the increase in operating hours and the addition of trained staff, they are hopeful that the situation will improve, leading to a better experience for visitors.
Aiming for Smoother Aadhaar Services Across Patna
The extended hours of operation and additional resources at the Bankipur Post Office are expected to make Aadhaar services more accessible to the residents of Patna and its surrounding districts. Officials believe that by reducing congestion and making services more efficient, they will be able to serve a larger number of people and ensure that fewer individuals are turned away without receiving the required services.
The goal is to improve the overall accessibility and efficiency of Aadhaar services, not just in Patna but also for people in nearby districts. The post office is already seeing a high volume of customers, and the additional resources and extended hours are expected to play a significant role in ensuring that more people can access Aadhaar services without long delays or being unable to complete their tasks.
The Bankipur Post Office’s decision to extend its Aadhaar service hours is a positive step toward addressing the growing demand for Aadhaar-related services in Patna. With more people requiring Aadhaar enrolment, updates, and corrections, the move to increase the operating hours from 8 am to 8 pm will provide much-needed relief to the public. The addition of more trained staff and improved facilities will help manage the growing crowd and ensure smoother operations.
These changes will not only benefit the residents of Patna but also those from surrounding areas, making Aadhaar services more accessible to a wider population. As the number of visitors continues to rise, these efforts will help ensure that no one is left behind and that everyone can access the services they need in a timely and efficient manner.
