Ludhiana: In a major boost for exporters in Ludhiana, a Dak Niryat Kendra is being established at the Head Post Office, enabling on-site customs clearance for export parcels and goods. This facility, which stands as the only one of its kind in Punjab, is expected to significantly ease the process for the local industry by eliminating the long-standing requirement for customs clearance in Delhi or other distant cities.The Dak Niryat Kendra is being established under the Department of Posts’ export facilitation initiative, specifically aimed at promoting small and medium-scale exporters. With this development, local businesses will now be able to complete customs clearance, invoicing, billing, and dispatch formalities directly at the Head Post Office, making the entire logistical process faster and more convenient.A dedicated, earmarked, and partitioned space has already been created within the post office premises to house the facility. A scanning machine required for essential customs inspections has arrived and is slated for installation shortly. Officials confirmed that most of the infrastructure work, including electricity meter connections and furniture, has been completed. Currently, only air-conditioning work remains before the centre becomes fully operational, which is expected within about a month.Local clearance, global reachThe initiative has already seen a strong response, with approximately 170 export-oriented parties enrolling to avail of the services at the Dak Niryat Kendra. Officials anticipate this number will grow rapidly once the facility becomes functional and exporters begin experiencing the tangible benefits of local customs clearance.Balbir Singh, senior superintendent of post offices (city division), stated that the centre would provide immense convenience to the industrial sector. “Exporters will now be able not only to dispatch their consignments from the Head Post Office but also get customs clearance done here itself. Earlier, parcels often had to be sent to Delhi or other centres for clearance. Now, the process will be much smoother,” he remarked. He further emphasized that Ludhiana is the only city in Punjab where such a Dak Niryat Kendra is being set up at a Head Post Office, marking a milestone for the region’s industrial growth.Cutting red tape and turnaround timeWhile standard postage charges will continue to be levied by the postal department as per existing norms, the availability of on-site customs clearance is expected to drastically reduce turnaround times and logistical complications. Historically, customs clearance at distant locations led to frequent procedural delays and increased operational costs.With clearance facilities now available locally, exporters anticipate faster shipment processing and improved reliability in meeting their international delivery commitments. Officials added that the separate, earmarked ‘Customs Clearance Centre’ would significantly reduce the hassle for exporters, as goods will now be exported and cleared at one central point within the Head Post Office.
