Raksha Bandhan rush: Long queues, link failures plague post offices across Odisha

As Raksha Bandhan approaches, sisters trying to send rakhis to their brothers living far away are facing major hurdles at post offices across Odisha, including in Bhubaneswar. Long queues have become a common sight at most India Post offices in the city, as people line up for hours to ensure their rakhis reach on time.

Despite the festive rush, most post offices in the capital city are struggling to provide uninterrupted service. Repeated link failures are compounding the situation, bringing work to a near halt at times. From the General Post Office to smaller local branches, the issue of technical glitches has been widely reported.

With the delay and uncertainty at post offices, many are turning to private courier services. However, the costs are proving exorbitant; a simple rakhi that costs Rs 50 is now attracting courier charges ranging from Rs 150 to Rs 400, making it unaffordable for many.

As the festival draws near, people are urging the postal department to resolve the connectivity issues and manage the rush more efficiently so that the emotional bond of Raksha Bandhan is not weakened by logistical lapses.

“I came to the post office at around 12.30 pm and found long queues. There is a huge rush and long lines can be spotted at all the counters. The situation at the RMS is even worse. When I went to DTDC, it demanded Rs 160-200; and to send it to Mumbai, it costs Rs 400,” said a customer.