WITH COLOURFUL UNIFORMS AND CAPS, INDIA POST STAFF IS SET FOR A SMART MAKEOVER

Before e-mails took over, spotting a dakiya on Indian roads was not that hard a thing. However, now when everyone uses instant messaging for being in touch

That, however, is about to change, given that India Post has decided to go for a corporate makeover to keep up with the competition of logistics companies backed by the Indian e-commerce industry. The move has come after India Post decided to set up a payments bank, under which postmen will also be given smartphones and iPads, to make them able to compete with the technologically sound companies.

The boring khaki will be replaced with a colourful uniform and swanky baseball caps, most probably in the shades of teal, in a fabric which would be more comfortable for postmen and postwomen.

"The current uniform is a mix of 67% polyester and 33% viscose. It is durable and low-maintenance but extremely uncomfortable in our climate. Also, the material for the upper and lower is the same which is not practical," an official told ET. "On a normal day, a postman walks 20-25km with a bag of around 20kg. He needs something more breathable." 

As per market researchers, the Indian logistics industry, which is pegged at $300 billion, will be growing at a compound annual rate of 12% by 2020, because of which even the e-commerce companies are taking a sincere consideration into the sector.