Falak Bilal
Kupwara, July 1: While smartphones and instant messaging have transformed communication across much of the country, postal workers in several remote areas of Kashmir continue to travel on foot through mountains, forests and isolated villages to deliver letters, government documents, pensions and banking services.
In districts such as Kupwara, Bandipora, Gurez, Kulgam and parts of Anantnag, difficult terrain and limited road connectivity mean that the local postman remains an important link between residents and essential public services.
Postal officials said the responsibilities of rural postmen have expanded significantly in recent years, with many now providing banking facilities, pension disbursements, Aadhaar-enabled services and doorstep delivery of government correspondence in addition to traditional mail.
“The nature of our work has changed over the years, but our responsibility towards the people remains the same,” said Bashir Ahmad, a rural postal employee. “Whether it is a pension, an examination admit card or an important government document, every delivery matters because people depend on us.”
Residents in remote villages say the arrival of the postman continues to be an important event, particularly for elderly citizens and families with limited access to digital services.
“In our village, many senior citizens still rely on the post office for pensions and official documents,” said Ghulam Nabi, a resident of a remote village in Kupwara. “The postman knows every household and often walks several kilometres to ensure that nobody is left out.”
Officials said adverse weather remains one of the biggest challenges for postal staff, especially during winter when snowfall blocks roads and footpaths.
“There are days when we walk for hours because vehicles cannot reach these villages,” said another postal employee. “Delaying deliveries is not always an option, particularly when people are waiting for medicines, financial assistance or official documents.”
The expansion of digital services has reduced the number of personal letters, but postal authorities said deliveries of parcels, official communications and e-commerce consignments have increased in rural areas.
“People may communicate through mobile phones today, but many essential services still require physical delivery,” said a senior official of the Department of Posts. “Our postal network continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that government services reach even the most remote habitations.”
Local residents say the relationship between villagers and postal workers extends beyond official duties.
“The postman is someone we trust,” said Hameeda Begum, an elderly resident. “He doesn’t just deliver letters; he brings pension papers, bank documents and sometimes even good news about our children studying or working outside Kashmir.”
Experts believe the postal network continues to remain relevant despite rapid digitalisation, particularly in regions where geographical challenges limit access to other services.
“Technology has changed communication, but it has not replaced the need for physical delivery in many rural areas,” said Prof. Tariq Ahmad, a researcher in rural development. “The postal system remains an important institution for financial inclusion and public service delivery.” As Kashmir continues to expand its digital infrastructure, rural postmen remain a familiar presence on mountain trails and village footpaths, ensuring that essential services reach communities where connectivity is measured not by internet speed, but by the dedication of those who travel the last mile on foot.
